Evangelical Press 'Running the Race' at Olympics with Eric Liddell biography

Eric Liddell, the subject of the Academy Award winning film, Chariots of Fire, and his passion for sport and Christ is featured yet again at the Olympics - but this time, it is his life story in the book entitled "Running the Race", published by Evangelical Press.

The biography, which has also been translated into Chinese, is drawing lots of attention and inspiring the crowds at this year's Beijing Summer Olympics.

A leading publisher of reformed and evangelical literature, Evangelical Press, has opened new doors of opportunity by partnering with a local Chinese publisher in the translation and distribution of tens of thousands of copies of a gripping and readable new biography, authored by Rev John Keddie, an adviser to the Chariots of Fire film. The Chinese version of the book is being officially distributed via both Christian and traditional bookstores in Beijing and in China generally.

In addition, the author, John Keddie and Evangelical Press' marketing associate Peter Cooper, are on the ground in China promoting the book during the final Olympic week in Beijing but also in Weifang where Liddell is buried and Tianjin where Liddell taught.

The book itself captures the enduring fascination of the life of Eric Liddell, known as the "Flying Scotsman" who won the gold medal in the 400 metres race in the 1924 Olympics in Paris but, more importantly, illustrated that honouring God is the highest human achievement especially when faced with enormous pressure to compromise. It also tells of his missionary work in China after his Olympic success and how he remained in the country during World War II and died in the land of his birth.

"It is thrilling to see how eager the Chinese are to read 'Running the Race' and embrace the story of Eric Liddell," said Cooper. "In fact, Liddell, who, due to his birth and death in the country is honoured as China's first Olympic champion and they are drawn to this great man who cut his athletic career short so that he could serve Christ among the Chinese people during their hour of severest trial.

"And best yet, through our efforts, the Gospel that Eric preached, is still being preached today in the land that he loved. The race that he started, is still being run today for God's glory."

A sample chapter from "Running the Race" and a foreword from Sebastian Coe, British former Olympic Gold Medalist and chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2012 London Olympics, visit www.evangelicalpress.org/esales/product_info.php?products_id=1893.

Also check Peter Cooper's blog www.runningtheraceinchina.blogspot.com/ as he reports on the day to day activities surrounding the promotion of "Running the Race" in China.