Released in the UK July 2020
Released in the US July 2020
Large trade paperback | 256 Pages
9781527105317 • £12.99 $15.99
BISAC – BIO018000
The name Eric Liddell is a familiar one to many, having gained much fame through the film Chariots of Fire. A Christian athlete and missionary, his passion for his Saviour could be seen throughout his life. From university days to internment at Weihsien POW Camp, John Keddie’s biography brings together a specialist understanding of both Liddell’s faith and sporting achievements to provide an engaging account of this normal man’s extraordinary life.
John W. Keddie
John Keddie is a Christian minister and writer. His previous works include a highly–regarded centenary history of Scottish Athletics. His connection to Eric Liddell comes through an advisory position that he held for the movie Chariots of Fire.
9781527106796 |
9781527103061 |
9781845505905 |
9781845507909 |
Running the Race is the definitive biography of Eric Liddell and one can say with confidence that Liddell himself would have approved. Not only is John Keddie the foremost authority on Scottish athletics, but he is also a Presbyterian Minister uniquely placed to set Liddell's sporting achievements in the context of the bigger priority of his Christian faith and witness. This superbly researched book inspires on many levels.
Peter Lovesey
Crime writer & Athletics historian; National Union of Track Statisticians member
Being a Christian and former professional sportsmen, Liddell has always been a hero of the faith to me. So, I thoroughly enjoyed this book – a wonderful account which shows the reader that athletics was simply an extension of who Liddell was as a man running hard after Christ. That his life was a race within a race. Men like Eric Liddell are a rare commodity. They should be studied, imitated and never forgotten. So it is with great enthusiasm that I recommend this beautifully written and quite moving sports biography by John Keddie – a man well qualified to speak on Eric Liddell and athletics.
Gavin Peacock
Former professional footballer and Director of International Outreach, The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
In a world increasingly fascinated by sports it is difficult to find an athlete worthy of deep admiration. John Keddie’s account of the great Eric Liddell presents all of the drama of his athletic accomplishment while also preserving the character and faith that fueled this remarkable life. More than the medals won, this book reveals the shining greatness of Liddell to be the humble, yet gutsy, spirit that drove him to ‘press toward the goal for the prize’ (Phil. 3:14) – whether in the classroom, on the track, or in the mission–field.
Joe Barnard
Pastor, Holyrood Evangelical Church, Edinburgh Author of The Way Forward, and Surviving the Trenches
Former athlete and churchman John Keddie brings both sporting expertise and spiritual insight to this lucid and meticulous biography of the great Eric Liddell.
Sally Magnusson
Broadcaster (Reporting Scotland, Songs of Praise) & Author of several books, including ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’