The Marathon of Faith - Rio 2016

Book excerpt: This novel retraces Eder dos Santos unlikely path to qualifying and competing in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro's Olympic marathon event. Born and raised in a small, agricultural community in Brazil's heartland, each of the winding 26 miles (or chapters) are flashbacks of Eder's past - church, family, work, romance, marriage, birth, and death. His life and this marathon have ups and downs that will test both his character and his beliefs, as Eder confronts world-class runners from around the globe during the race through the beautiful streets and beaches of Rio. Eder's gifted, inspirational, and extraordinary wife, Gelita, is the guiding light that helps him through each the twisting turns. The magnificent marathon competition is revealed through the eyes of two broadcasting commentators who recount the drama as the race unfolds. Experts agree that man has physically progressed to being able to run a sub two hour marathon and now it is more a matter of mind over body, and, of course, favorable race day conditions.