Once a Runner - John L. Parker, Jr.
Originally self-published in 1978, Once a Runner captures the essence of competitive running—and of athletic competition in general—and has become one of the most beloved sports novels ever published.
Inspired by the author’s experience as a collegiate champion, the story focuses on Quenton Cassidy, a competitive runner at fictional Southeastern University whose lifelong dream is to run a four-minute mile. He is less than a second away when the turmoil of the Vietnam War era intrudes into the staid recesses of his school’s athletic department. After he becomes involved in an athletes’ protest, Cassidy is suspended from his track team. Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Bruce Denton, a graduate student and former Olympic gold medalist, Cassidy gives up his scholarship, his girlfriend, and possibly his future to withdraw to a monastic retreat in the countryside and begin training for the race of his life against the greatest miler in history.
A rare insider’s account of the incredibly intense lives of elite distance runners, Once a Runner is an inspiring, funny, and spot-on tale of one man’s quest to become a champion.
Ordering Details
EXCHANGE POLICY
We've extended our exchange policy for the holiday season! Items bought as of November 1, 2024 can be brought back for exchange or store credit until January 15, 2025. Please note we do not offer refunds, but our team is here and happy to help you find something else!
Items must be brought back in original sale condition with proof of purchase to authorize an exchange.
Sale items and custom order items are always final sale.
Important Shipping Information
Please note due to the Canada Post strike we will be shipping orders outside of Toronto using UPS or Fedex. International orders will ship via DHL. Toronto orders will ship via Mile1 or Trexity. If you see any issues with shipping options at checkout please use the CHAT function on our site for assistance.
Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $100 in Canada and $250 on orders in the USA.
Please note as we enter our busiest time of year our processing times may increase for online order. Please reach out to us via chat or email if you need your order expedited through processing.
SMALL BUSINESS
We are a proudly Canadian company based in Toronto. Our flagship Toronto gallery has been open in the Distillery District since 2006. All orders ship from Downtown Toronto.
All of our prints are made to order in Toronto, with a limited/rotating selection in stock and ready to ship.
Questions? Reach out to our team at hello@thesportgallery.com or use our live chat feature.
Visit Us
Find us in the Distillery District in Downtown Toronto
15 Tank House Lane
Toronto, Canada
Mon-Thurs 10am - 7pm
Fri-Sat 10am - 8pm
Sunday, 11am - 7pm