Book Review: The Unforgiving Minute by Ron Clarke

Book Review: The Unforgiving Minute, by Ron Clarke as told to Alan Trengove

Authors: Ron Clarke AO MBE (1937-2015) as told to Alan Trengove
Published: 1966, London: Pelham Books. 2nd edition: 2011, Dee Why, New South Wales: The Runners Tribe
ISBN: 9780987204615 (hardback), 9780987204608 (paperback)

---

The Unforgiving Minute is the autobiography of one of Australia’s greatest athletes—Ron Clarke AO MBE. Clarke, who passed away in June 2015, is remembered not only for his extraordinary achievements on the track but also for the grace, humility, and resilience with which he lived his life. His autobiography, published in 1966 and co-written with journalist Alan Trengove, offers a compelling glimpse into the heart and mind of a true champion.

For those familiar with Clarke’s legacy, his list of accomplishments remains jaw-dropping. Between 1963 and 1968, he broke 17 world records across distances ranging from two miles to 20 kilometres, revolutionising the very nature of distance running on the world stage. Yet, Clarke’s greatness was not defined solely by victory or medals. His infamous run at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics—where he collapsed at the finish line of the 10,000 metres due to oxygen deprivation at altitude, sustaining permanent heart damage—speaks volumes about his courage and commitment.

What many may not know is that Clarke penned his autobiography before those tragic and defining moments in Mexico. The Unforgiving Minute tells the story of his athletic journey up to the mid-1960s, capturing the internal and external battles that shaped him as both an athlete and a man.

From club athlete to global force

The title The Unforgiving Minute is borrowed from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If—, evoking the challenge of making every moment count under pressure. And that’s precisely what Clarke strived to do throughout his athletic career.

The book begins with Clarke’s early years in Melbourne—his life as a promising junior, and his eventual rise through the ranks to become one of the world's most formidable distance runners. Unlike many autobiographies that gloss over the formative years, Clarke provides richly detailed accounts of his development with Glenhuntly Athletic Club, including training routines, club competitions, and the transition from amateur to elite athlete.

What makes this book stand out is Clarke’s raw honesty. He does not portray himself as invincible. Instead, he shares moments of doubt, disappointment, and vulnerability, often exposing the emotional highs and lows of competitive sport. His self-awareness and willingness to reflect critically on his performances make this book both engaging and instructive.

The psychology of performance

Clarke’s descriptions of racing are both poetic and visceral. He recounts not only the physical sensations of fatigue and pain but also the psychological games played between runners—how pacing, surging, and tactics are used to gain an edge. These race-day narratives, written in the first person, immerse the reader in the chaos and clarity of elite competition. They are, quite simply, some of the finest firsthand descriptions of racing ever committed to paper.

Equally important is the mental discipline Clarke developed—his respect for consistency, his commitment to training even when it meant loneliness or sacrifice, and his pursuit of excellence despite setbacks. This is where the book truly becomes a source of inspiration for athletes and non-athletes alike.

Craig Mottram, one of Australia’s modern-day distance greats, aptly summed up the book:

"The Unforgiving Minute tells Ron's story from young club level athlete to the powerhouse he became in the world of distance running."

Beyond the finish line

Though written before Clarke’s Olympic heartbreak, the book provides clear foreshadowing of his character. Clarke's integrity and his sportsmanship shine throughout the narrative. He is a competitor, yes—but he is also a thinker, a gentleman, and a deeply reflective writer. The values that later defined his public life—including his role as Mayor of the Gold Coast—are evident in these early reflections.

There is also an underlying message in this book about how to live a life of purpose, even in the face of disappointment. Clarke speaks to the kind of resilience that doesn’t just power a final sprint—it sustains a life’s work. This makes The Unforgiving Minute not only a sports biography, but also a human story of grit, growth, and grace.

Final thoughts

The Unforgiving Minute  offers much more than a list of achievements. It invites readers into the mind of a man who pushed his limits, questioned himself, respected his rivals, and gave everything he had—to every race and every minute.

Ron Clarke may be gone, but through this autobiography, his voice, his spirit, and his philosophy endure. For athletes, coaches, and anyone fascinated by the mental and emotional journey of excellence, this book is a must-read. It is a timeless reminder of the cost, beauty, and meaning of chasing greatness.

Author: Kara Gilbert, KMG Communications