Fifty-Two

Birth of a Soul Runner

By: Campbell Forlong

Write A Review

Paperback | 27 March 2026

At a Glance

Paperback
328 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.01 x 14.81 x 2.26

Paperback

$41.79

or 4 interest-free payments of $10.45 with

Ships in 5 to 7 business days

Looking out across the rooftops of Hamilton City to the distant Kaimai Ranges and Maungatautari Mountain on New Year's Day 2017, Campbell Forlong had no idea that instead of just ticking off these two running challenges from his bucket list, something bigger was about to happen in his 52nd year.

After he'd completed three random marathon runs on consecutive weekends, his brother Paul phoned. "I see you've run three marathons in three weeks - you planning to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks?" he asked, half joking. It was all the invitation Campbell needed.

What followed was an utterly life-changing adventure - running in the heat of the equator in the Republic of Congo, following wolf tracks in the snow in the Canadian Rockies, exploring the banks of the Seine to see the sun rise on the Eiffel Tower, returning home to discover unequalled beauty and peace on the backstreets of his hometown at midnight, and on many of New Zealand's mountain trails.

Along the way, during that year an equally important pursuit took place as Campbell began a journey into the meaning of love. How to love and be loved became even more important than distances and destinations - it was the birth of a soul runner.

NOTE: this version of the book contains black and white photographs throughout.

Industry Reviews

"Told with disarming honesty, this authentic account of one man conjuring up a rather bonkers idea, then having the tenacity to see it through, is truly uplifting."

- Mal Law (Adventurer, Fundraiser, Coach)

"This well-written book is for runners and lovers of the outdoors, but mostly for those wanting to live life well."

- Rowland Forman (Mentor and Author of Mutual Mentoring for Life Transformation)

"There is plenty of happiness, yarns, and flat whites loaded into this story, and I cannot wait to see what's brewing for his next birthday milestone!"

- Luke Garea (Event Manager)

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.