Known as one of the "top 10" fictional running books, including The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, The Olympian, and Once a Runner, The Purple Runner now appears in its second edition printing. Originally published in 1983, The Purple Runner concentrates upon two stories evolving in London, one about a New Zealand marathoner looking to break her cycle of mediocre clockings in marathon running, and the other surrounding a mysterious world-class runner with a disfigured face. His return to competition finally occurs in spectacular fashion when both runners compete in the London Marathon. The Purple Runner is a must-read for any runner, veteran or novice.