Meb Keflezighi - Run to Overcome

While Mebs performances have shown me what is possible for American distance running and urged me, his teammate, to press in for more, his overcoming spirit through the lows have shown me what it looks like to be a real man. Meb has the remarkable capacity never to lose hope and to experience joy in his life no matter what his circumstances. He is truly gracious in victory and defeat. It is this characteristic that I admire most in Meb.

Ryan Hall

2008 U.S. Olympic team, marathon; U.S. record holder in half marathon

Just when there was a need for another American hero in our sport, along came Meb. He epitomizes everything this sports stands forcourage, determination, commitment, and above all, respect. There is no better role model in our sport than Meb Keflezighi.

Dave McGillivray

Race director, BAA Boston Marathon; president, DMSE, Inc.

No runner has endured a longer or more arduous marathon than Meb Keflezighifrom Eritrea to Italy to the USAor conquered the distance with as much optimism, resilience, and grace. Run to Overcome is the inspiring story of the man who led the rebirth of distance running in the States. A truly American story.

John Powers

Boston Globe

I first saw Meb run as a freshman at UCLA, where he immediately made an impact on collegiate distance running. Meb seems to make an impact wherever he goes and on whatever he is involved in. Whether it is inspiring a resurgence in U.S. distance running or helping his family realize the American dream, Meb is an iconic example of a person setting out to be the best that he can be.

Rafer Johnson

1960 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, decathalon

Meb is one of the key figures who has put U.S. distance running back on the map. More important, he is a personal inspiration to so many people. It is not what he has achieved, but how he has achieved it, that is most remarkable. He has overcome incredible adversity and accomplished what many thought was impossible. Through it all, Mebs positive outlook and the importance he places on family serve as an example to us all.

Doug Logan

CEO, USA Track & Field

Runners and nonrunners alike will be moved by the incredible life story of Meb and the Keflezighi family. Strong family values molded Meb into a determined, humble, and hungry competitor. Run to Overcome is his story of triumph, perseverance, and victory. It will move you, not just to run faster, but to go through life with the passion and grace of this truly blessed athlete.

Deena Kastor

2004 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist, marathon; U.S. record holder in marathon and half marathon

This book is a must-read for every coach and athlete in America. Mebs journey has displayed the true qualities of Olympism as well as any Olympic athlete past or present. It is this magnificent display of values that has propelled him to become one of Americas greatest distance runners.

Coach Joe I. Vigil

U.S. Olympic distance coach, 1988 and 2008

Run to Overcome provides a fascinating inside look at Mebs efforts to strengthen American distance running.

Bill Rodgers

Winner of multiple New York City and Boston Marathons; former American record holder in the marathon

Mebs story is the American dream. He has worked hard to succeed both personally and professionally and to create a better life for his family and those around him. Run to Overcome is a book that anyone looking to understand what success really is should read.

Dr. Harvey Schiller

CEO, GlobalOptions group; former executive director, U.S. Olympic Committee

Mebs vision, passion and disciplined execution have made him an exceptional athlete. While competing with Meb over the years, I had the pleasure of learning that hes even a better human being than he is an athlete. As Meb continues to couple these exceptional talents and traits, there is nothing he cant accomplish.

Bob Kennedy

1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic team, 5,000 meters; U.S. record holder in 3,000 meters

Mebs family instilled in him a persistence and toughness that allowed him to rise above barriers and setbacks that would have defeated most athletes. Meb made himself into a great runner by working on every aspect of the art and science of running. His dedication to purpose and to the details of training is unsurpassed by all the great athletes I have worked with or observed.

Coach Bob Larsen

Four-time NCAA Coach of the Year (track and field/cross country); coach, Mammoth Track Club

Mebs early years in Eritrea were very similar to mine in Ethiopia. His familys journey ultimately landed him in the United States at a young age. Meb has utilized the support and resources around him to get the most out of his God-given talent and has gone on to become one of the best distance runners in U.S. history. Meb is someone I respect and admire, not only for his achievements but also for his character.

Haile Gebrselassie

Marathon world record holder

Mebs story is one of the most compelling I know, and one that will lift all spirits. His victory in New York was much bigger than an individual winrather, it was a win for a family whose story represents the best of this nation.

Mary Wittenberg

CEO and president of New York Road Runners

Meb is a natural runner with a stride as smooth as silk. What I love most about Meb, though, is the way he communicates a message of diversity, so that runners of all races, colors, and abilities are accepted and celebrated in the great sport of running.

Bart Yasso

Chief Running Officer, Runners World

Meb and I had our shining moment at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Those of us who know Meb, know he is a very giving person who loves interacting with people. In person, via e-mail, and by phone, Meb advises me and my Eritrean teammates on many matters related to running. I was very happy to see him earn an Olympic silver medal and win the New York City Marathon.

Zersenay Tadese

First Eritrean Olympic medalist; mens world record holder in the 20K and half marathon

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Run to Overcome: The Inspiring Story of an American Champions Long-Distance Quest to Achieve a Big Dream

Copyright 2010 by Meb Keflezighi. All rights reserved.

Cover photograph of race copyright by Don Emmert/Getty Images. All rights reserved.

Cover photograph of blue banner copyright by Claudia Uribe/Getty Images. All rights reserved.

Interior photographs of Meb with flags and on Olympic podium used with permission by Victor Sailer.

Interior photograph of three athletes from PowerBar ad by John Segusta.

Photograph of the ING New York City Marathon courtesy of New York Road Runners, owner/organizer of the event. Photo by Ed Haas/New York Road Runners.

Interior photograph of Meb and Bob Larsen courtesy of UCLA Athletics.

Interior photograph of Meb crossing the finish line copyright Mike Stobe/Getty Images. All rights reserved.

Family portrait copyright by Brian Ball. All rights reserved.

Interior wedding photographs courtesy of Solophotos Photography by Samuel Gebreyesus.

Interior screen grab of TV appearance 2009 Worldwide Pants Incorporated. All rights reserved.

All other photographs are from the Keflezighi family collection and used with permission.

Back cover photograph of road copyright by P_Wei/iStockphoto. All rights reserved.