Picture an American storyteller who traded a corporate desk for tiger shark-infested waters and the grueling Raid Gauloises race—meet Martin Dugard! A New York Times bestselling author, Dugard is renowned for his gripping nonfiction, from the blockbuster 'Killing' series with Bill O’Reilly to his soulful memoir 'To Be A Runner.' His knack for immersive research and heart-pounding narratives has made him a standout in sports, history, and adventure writing.
With a life as thrilling as his books, Dugard’s journey from endurance sports journalist to celebrated author and track coach embodies the relentless spirit he captures on the page. Whether retracing explorers’ paths or coaching high school athletes, he’s all about pushing limits and inspiring others to do the same.
The Making of Martin Dugard
Born on June 1, 1961, in Maine, Martin Dugard’s early years were shaped by a love for running, sparked at age six. He competed in track and cross country through high school and college, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion. Initially stuck in a corporate marketing job, Dugard found it stifling. In 1988, he began writing for endurance sports magazines like 'Runner’s World,' and by 1993, covering the Raid Gauloises in Madagascar pushed him to ditch the 9-to-5 for full-time writing.
His journalism career took him to the Tour de France for a decade, blending sports, history, and culture in vivid articles for 'Sports Illustrated,' 'GQ,' and 'Esquire.' This adventurous spirit and curiosity about human limits would define his later books, making him a master of narrative nonfiction.
Martin Dugard’s Unforgettable Stories
Dugard’s books are a thrilling mix of history, adventure, and personal reflection. His breakout, 'Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone' (2003), dives into the 19th-century quest to find the Nile’s source. Dugard walked Stanley’s path across Tanzania—landing in prison along the way—to bring the story to life. Similarly, 'Farther Than Any Man' (2001) captures Captain James Cook’s daring voyages, with Dugard swimming Hawaii’s shark-filled Kealakekua Bay to retrace Cook’s final moments.
The 'Killing' series, co-authored with Bill O’Reilly, is his most commercially successful work. Titles like 'Killing Lincoln' and 'Killing Kennedy' blend meticulous research with cinematic storytelling, making history accessible and gripping. Then there’s 'To Be A Runner' (2011), a deeply personal memoir where Dugard weaves tales of running with bulls in Pamplona and competing in brutal races, showing how running mirrors life’s pursuit of growth.
His style is immersive and vivid, often placing himself in his subjects’ shoes—literally. Whether it’s history or personal essays, Dugard’s themes of resilience, exploration, and self-discovery resonate, earning him critical acclaim, including the 1997 Dallas Area Press Club Katie Award for Best Magazine Sports Story.
Why Martin Dugard Matters
Martin Dugard’s impact lies in his ability to make history and adventure feel urgent and personal. His books don’t just recount events—they pull readers into the sweat, danger, and triumph of their subjects. The 'Killing' series has sold millions, redefining how popular audiences engage with history, while works like 'To Be A Runner' inspire runners and dreamers to embrace life’s challenges.
Beyond writing, Dugard shapes young athletes as a track and cross country coach at JSerra Catholic High School and serves on the USA Track and Field Foundation board, promoting youth distance running. His life—running marathons, racing in the Raid Gauloises, even setting a world record for global circumnavigation on a Concorde—embodies the grit and curiosity he celebrates, making him a role model for aspiring adventurers and writers.
About Martin Dugard
- Born: June 1, 1961, in Maine
- Key Works: 'Killing' series, 'Into Africa,' 'To Be A Runner,' 'Farther Than Any Man'
- Awards: 1997 Dallas Area Press Club Katie Award
- Fun Fact: Competed in the Raid Gauloises three times and coaches high school track
Snag 'To Be A Runner' or dive into the 'Killing' series to experience Martin Dugard’s electrifying blend of history, adventure, and heart!