Dipsea, The Greatest Race.

San Anselmo, CA Potrero Meadow Pub, 1993. Paperback First Edition, so stated. First Edition, so stated. Near Fine in Wraps: shows only the most minute indications of use: just a hint of rubbing and the binding leans slightly (but remains perfectly secure); the text is clean. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. Squarish 4to. 230pp. Includes a fold-out, full-color topographical map of the course. Maps and Design by Dewey Livingston. Trade Paperback. When two men raced each other from Mill Valley, California to Stinson Beach (then known as Willow Camp) in 1904, they probably never realized that their race would evolve into more than just a race; it would practically become a cult following. While only a little over 7 miles, the Dipsea Race is known for its steep slopes, long stairways, dangerous terrain, and gorgeous scenery, as well as its handicapping system which, in the past, has resulted in 69-year-old men and 9-year-old girls winning the race. This book, by Barry Spitz, does a wonderful job of chronicling the amazing history of the second oldest race in the United States. While much of the book focuses on the actual races, one of the things I liked the best about the book was the short paragraphs telling interesting, sometimes humorous, stories about each of the races. The book also includes a fold-out, full-color topographical map of the course. This is definitely a book for anyone who knows and loves the Dipsea Race(like me!) or anyone who is interested in the history of cross-country running in the United States.