Running Against The Odds: An Inspirational Journey to Making High School Sports History

Product Description

Life took Desmond “Coach Dez” Dunham down an unpaved path toward both manhood and coaching, testing his spirit, humility, and purpose. Now a nationally recognized high school coach,
Running Against The Odds chronicles Dunham’s journey to finding his passion within youth sports, culminating at the 2007 Penn Relays — one of the most defining moments of his illustrious running career.

In this impassioned coming-of-age memoir, Dunham recounts his turbulent childhood, filled with challenges in economically-distressed Gary, Indiana. Despite constant rejection and disappointment from a distant, alcoholic father, Dunham persevered, attended Howard University, and found his passion on the track with key support along the way.

From humble beginnings with the odds stacked against him, Dunham’s story shows that underdogs prevail.

Review

Each chapter is layered on each other with valuable and insightful lessons. Desmond innately gravitates to helping others and through education and coaching creates a positive environment for America’s often marginalized youth to survive, grow, and prosper. His meaningful life can be an inspiration to everyone. Yes, Desmond’s book includes wonderfully depicted races culminating with the Penn Relays. But, most importantly, you will witness how one individual, through his own personal journey, can make such a profound difference in the lives of others.

—Marcus O’Sullivan, Villanova University Men’s Track and Field & Cross Country Head Coach, Four-Time Olympian

“Desmond Dunham turned the traumatic experiences of his youth into a powerful, transformative memoir for activism. Running Against The Odds is a testament to keep running, keep striving, keep grinding, keep believing, keep positive people in your life and, eventually, the odds will turn in your favor.”

— Karen Dennis, Director of Track and Field/Cross Country at Ohio State University. Olympic Head Coach of the 2000 US Women’s National Track & Field Team

“Running Against The Odds is a wonderful American story that speaks to all of us in our times of difficulties and hopelessness. It is a story of resiliency and triumph. I thank Coach Dunham for allowing us into his life so that we can find hope and perseverance regardless of the challenges we encounter in life.”

— Irasema Salcido, Founder of Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy, Washington, DC

“Sports are special because nothing else provides such an amplification and roller coaster of emotions. Desmond Dunham captures this feeling perfectly, in a very personal way.”

— Boo Schexnayder, Former Louisiana State University Field Event Coach and Former US Olympic Coach

“Coach Desmond Dunham understands the deep impact sports can have on a young person’s life and, as such, has dedicated his life and career to coaching, inspiring, and advocating for youth. He is a mentor and teacher to all.”

— Chris Farley, Owner of Pacers Running

From the Author

As I log my 2,000th mile during our 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic, I reflect on the dynamic relationship I have had with running. Though I enjoyed other sports more than running at times, running undoubtedly has done more for me than all other sports combined. In spite of the sheer agony and pain that comes with running, it has opened doors for me throughout life. Most of all, it opened me up to who I am as a person. It revealed to me my potential and capabilities, and I will always be grateful for that. When my emotions were pulling me into a dark hole, running got me through the tough times at home, the dyslexia in school, the lack of confidence, and the lack of clarity I had in life. Running taught me to persevere, through uncertainty, through depression, through relationship challenges. I am not me without running. This is why I have been so passionate to inspire others through this sport and to push everyone I come into contact with to be the best version of themselves regardless of the odds against them