Runner (song)

This page is about the hit song recorded by Manfred Mann's Earth Band, for the Cozy Tapes song see Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends

The Runner, also Runner, is a song written by Canadian rock musician Ian Thomas, his version released in 1981 on the album of the same name. It was also recorded by Manfred Mann's Earth Band, an artist known for making hits of reworked cover songs, and released as a single in 1984. It reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.

The song
Ian Thomas was a moderately successful artist in Canada, whose songs have been covered by bigger artists a number of times. He was inspired to write this song by Terry Fox seeking publicity and funding for cancer by running across Canada, but who died of it before he finished. "I wanted to capture that gallantry, the importance of passing on the flame", related Thomas. His version was included in the 1983 movie The Terry Fox Story.

This song was also covered by Sheila in 1981.

Manfred Mann version

The timing on Manfred Mann's version was especially good, as it came out right before the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, prompting especially heavy play. Trevor Rabin, at that time the guitarist of the progressive rock band Yes, played the guitar solo on this track.

The video for the Manfred Mann version, directed by Lindsey Clennell, received heavy airplay on MTV. In it, the band performs near a campfire at night (shot on a soundstage), interspersed with video of runners either racing, or carrying the Olympic torch, much of which was footage shot for the recent Olympic games in Munich and Montreal.

This version of the song was used in the film The Philadelphia Experiment.

Track listing
7" single
A. "Runner" – 4:40
B. "No Transkei"

Personnel

Musicians
 Manfred Mann – keyboards, synthesisers
 John Lingwood – drums, percussion
 Chris Thompson – vocals
 Matt Irving – bass, programming (MC4)
 Mick Rogers – backup vocals
 Trevor Rabin – guitar solo

Technical
 Manfred Mann – producer
 Lars Finnstrom – engineer
 Terry Medhurst – engineer

References

Category:1984 singles
Category:1981 songs
Category:Arista Records singles
Category:Manfred Mann songs
Category:Bronze Records singles
Category:Songs written by Ian Thomas (Canadian musician)