Can someone who has never exercised before become a marathon runner in just one year? The companion book to the ARD television series "From Zero to 42" documents a scientifically supervised experiment that demonstrates how this goal can be achieved. Seven untrained and overweight individuals were systematically prepared under medical supervision for one year to run the 42 km of the famous New York City Marathon in November 2003. The book provides background information, portraits, and personal accounts of the seven participants, and it also serves as a guide that answers sports medicine questions and shows how to successfully complete a training plan. "From Zero to 42" is an inspiration for the target audience of non-runners. Its fascinating core message is directed at them: "You too can run a marathon - you just have to.".