John Keddie, himself a keen athlete and an authority on Scottish athletics, calls this book a ‘sporting biography’ of Eric Liddell. In doing so, we get a rounded, accurate and detailed portrayal of Eric Liddell, the renowned Scottish Olympic champion and missionary to China. Of course, Liddell’s achievements and life received much attention as a result of the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire. Here, the author carefully weaves the two key threads of Eric Liddell’s life together, showing how he stood out as both a Christian and a sportsman and in doing so we come to appreciate the greatness of the man.

There is much to be gleaned from this book in learning how Liddell achieved consistency in his Christian walk whilst competing at the highest level as an athlete and an international rugby player. One of the major components of Running the Race is the description and appraisal of Eric Liddell’s performances on the track and rugby field. Interestingly, John Keddie worked as an advisor for Chariots of Fire and the book contains some illuminating insights to the making of the film – as well as some inaccuracies! This account of Eric Liddell’s life gives us much to consider and praise God for.

This book is available to purchase from Christian Focus Publications.

Gari Lewis, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Llwynhendy