Seven Marathons. Seven Continents. One Week.

An Inspiring First-Hand Account of the Most Challenging Marathon Experience on the Planet

"…an unforgettable journey of exploration, discovery and triumph." —Dean Karnazes, New York Times bestselling author, ultramarathoner

The Great World Race is the legendary global endurance event that pushes athletes beyond physical and mental limits—completing seven full marathons on seven continents in just one week. From Antarctica’s frozen terrain to the sweltering heat of South America, runners face brutal conditions, extreme travel, and relentless fatigue, with no margin for error.

In Seven Marathons. Seven Continents. One Week., Ellen Hunter Gans takes readers inside her unforgettable adventure, highlighting the deeply human stories behind one of the world’s most extreme running accomplishments.

Each runner carried a different reason to be there: from the Welsh firefighter running to raise awareness of women in her field; to the first cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest; to Olympians, world-record holders, and extraordinary athletes from everyday life.

Together, they navigate physical pain, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt—forming an unlikely bond as they discover the power of community, humor, and courage in the most unexpected places.

Told from the author’s point of view at the back of the pack, Seven Marathons. Seven Continents. One Week., is a raw, hilarious, and inspiring account, sharing the stories of dozens of race participants. It’s a book about saying yes now and starting before you’re ready.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs