Failure is an Option: On the trail of the world's toughest mountain race

Failure is an Option is the story of an average runner who sets out to discover how far he can go. With the support of his family, he pushes towards 100-mile ultramarathons and beyond, learning the hard way and forging bonds with fellow competitors. The book is brimming with good humor, honesty, and joy, and pits ambition against ability to uncover human truths that resonate with us all.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing Ltd

Failure is an Option is the captivating tale of an ordinary runner embarking on a remarkable journey to uncover the limits of his potential. Supported by his family, even as he acknowledges that his prime running years are behind him, Matt Whyman embarks on a quest to conquer 100-mile ultramarathons and beyond. By embracing the art of running a very long distance, he joins a growing community of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are driven to achieve extraordinary feats.

As a newcomer to this world that sometimes appears inaccessible, Matt navigates his way as an ultrarunner through a process of learning the hard way. He confronts formidable hallucinations during endurance races that span both day and night, loses himself in captivating trails that take him far from familiar landscapes, and forms deep connections with fellow competitors, where small, compassionate gestures hold greater significance than any medal.

Driven by a relentless desire to push the boundaries of his running realm before it begins to diminish, Matt sets his sights on the daunting Dragons Back Race, a six-day mountain ultra that even seasoned veterans regard as the most challenging on the planet. Throughout his journey, Failure is an Option is filled with infectious good humor, candid honesty, and an overwhelming sense of joy. It serves as a poignant exploration of human truths that resonate with us all.

Matt, a mid-pack competitor who possesses an infectious enthusiasm that could potentially earn him prizes for sheer passion alone, takes us on a thrilling expedition that extends far beyond his comfort zone. The outcome is a captivating narrative that keeps readers entertained from start to finish, offering moments of laughter and profound emotional resonance.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839811333