Failure is an Option

On the trail of the worldâs toughest mountain race

By: Matt Whyman, Laurie King (Illustrator)

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Paperback | 14 April 2022

At a Glance

Paperback
224 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.39 x 15.6 x 1.3

Paperback

RRP $29.69

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'We're not at parkrun any more,' I mutter to myself, quietly longing for the presence of nice marshals in high-visibility vests.

Failure is an Option is the story of an average runner who sets out to discover just how far he can go. With the support (and misgivings) of his family, and aware that his quickest years are behind him, Matt Whyman leaves the Saturday morning 5K to push towards 100-mile ultramarathons and beyond. By slowing things down to run a very long way, he joins a growing number of men and women from all walks of life striving to do something extraordinary.

A newcomer to a world that can often seem off-limits, Matt finds his feet as an ultrarunner by learning the hard way. He battles monster hallucinations on endurance races spanning day and night, loses himself on tantalising trails across landscapes far from home, and forges bonds with fellow competitors in which small, kind gestures mean more than any medal. Determined to touch the boundaries of his running world before it starts to shrink, ultimately Matt sets his sights on a six-day mountain ultra that even hardened veterans consider to be the most formidable on earth: the Dragon's Back Race.

Brimming with good humour, honesty and joy, Failure is an Option pits ambition against ability to uncover human truths that resonate with us all. A mid-pack competitor who could win prizes for enthusiasm - if nothing else - Matt takes us on a journey far beyond his comfort zone and with no guaranteed outcome of success. The results are entertaining from start to finish, often very funny and at times deeply moving.

Industry Reviews

'What an absolute JOY! - perfectly captures the folly and ambition of this silly and wonderful sport.'

- Vassos Alexander, sports presenter, ultrarunner and author

'A funny and inspirational read. From parkrunner to ultramarathoner, Matt shows what it means to keep trying - both in running and in life.'

- Elise Downing, ultrarunner and author of Coasting

'Poignant, relatable and told with refreshing honesty.'

- Damian Hall, elite ultrarunner, coach and author of In It for the Long Run

'Make no mistake, this book is not about failure! It's an account of how the love of running can keep you wanting more no matter where, or how, you end up in the field! The patience and support of a good partner also helps. Eloquently written with humour. Loved it!'

- Shane Benzie, coach, author and founder of Running Reborn

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