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Running for My Life

One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

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Running for My Life

By: Lopez Lomong
Narrated by: Brandon Hirsch
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About this listen

Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible: faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more.

Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.

©2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. (P)2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. Sports

Critic Reviews

"Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." (Michael Johnson, Olympic gold medalist)
"This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." (Richard Stearns, president of World Vision US and author of The Hole in Our Gospel)
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Such an uplifting story so full off gratitude, it felt like you could feel Lopez smiling. Well read and easy to listen to.

Loved it all

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This book is definitely a tear jerker, it made me think back to my childhood, and how I was told to eat all my food, I was told to think about how the poor African kids didn't have any food let alone a choice. It's an amazing look into little Pepes struggles from the age of six, to a fruitful life full of achievements and his journey to the dream land of America.

A look into a man's unconventional coming of age

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Very good book. Inspiring and motivating.
Will help you realise what you take for granted.

well worth a listen

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This is such a powerful and beautiful book. Great narration. Thanks Lopez for sharing your story!

Stunning!!

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Loved this book and listened with my 10 year old boy who also gives it a rating of 10/10. It made our car time so much enjoyable that we did want to stop

Most inspiring book I have read

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thank you Lopez, reading this in 2025 and had a big impact on me. More people need to know about the lost boys and what's happening in South Sudan

against all odds

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