Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, and the Greatest Race Ever Run

by Matt Fitzgerald
Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, and the Greatest Race Ever Run cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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  • ID: 1847
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781637270233
  • Publisher: Triumph Books
  • Published: 2022-03-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The 1989 Ironman World Championship was a historic event that showcased the ultimate test of human endurance. Dave Scott and Mark Allen, the world's top triathletes, engaged in a fierce rivalry that culminated in a breathtaking race. Covering 139 miles, they pushed each other to world-record paces through swimming, biking, and marathon running. Their battle, known as the Iron War, lasted over eight hours and ended with just 58 seconds separating them at the finish line. Beyond the thrilling race, 'Iron War' delves into the lives of these two extraordinary athletes, exploring their mental resilience and unyielding drive to succeed. Author Matt Fitzgerald weaves a compelling narrative that highlights the paths that led to their final showdown, offering insights into the minds of champions.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-10
passionate 4.20

The book is described as a detailed, passionate, and honest account of the athletes' journey. It captures the essence of their humble beginnings and their rise to the top.

This reviewer commends the detailed and passionate storytelling in the book. They appreciate how it honestly portrays the athletes' journeys from humble beginnings to becoming the best in the world. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that highlights the dedication and perseverance required to achieve greatness. It's a story that resonates with anyone who appreciates the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.

Quick quotes

    Matt Fitzgerald provides a detailed, passionate, and honest account of their journey to becoming the best in the world.

    Both men had humble beginnings and rose to the top through hard work and dedication.

    The book captures the essence of their journey in a compelling and engaging manner.

The StoryGraph · fellrnr · 2025-10-10
inspiring 4.00

The book is found to be surprisingly engaging and inspiring, offering insights into the world of triathlons. It provides a good balance of commonalities and differences in the athletes' journeys.

Even though the reviewer is not a triathlete, they found the book to be surprisingly engaging and inspiring. They appreciate the insights it provides into the commonalities and differences between the two athletes. The reviewer highlights how the book offers a unique perspective on the mental and physical challenges faced by elite athletes. It's a book that can inspire anyone, regardless of their background in sports.

Quick quotes

    I'm not a triathlete, but I found this book surprisingly engaging and inspiring.

    It provided some good insight into the commonalities and differences between the two athletes.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the mental and physical challenges faced by elite athletes.

Strength Running · 2023-03-27
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging narrative that reads like a fiction novel. It effectively captures the intense rivalry and athletic prowess of the two triathletes.

This reviewer was captivated by how the book reads like a fiction novel, despite being a non-fiction account. They highlight the gripping narrative that brings to life the intense rivalry between Dave Scott and Mark Allen. The reviewer appreciates the detailed storytelling that makes the athletic journey of these two champions feel almost cinematic. It's a compelling read that goes beyond just sports, delving into the mental and physical endurance required to reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

Quick quotes

    It's so well written that it reads like a fiction novel.

    This book is part of a great collection of running books.

    The narrative is gripping and engaging.

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