*now a major motion picture* in this powerful novel from master storyteller stephen king, writing as richard bachman, tells the tale of the contestants of a gruelling walking competition where there can only be one winner-the one that survives. in a dystopian near-future, america has fallen on hard times. sixteen-year-old ray garraty is about to compete in the annual match of stamina and wits known as the long walk. one hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour day and night, without ever stopping. the winner gets 'the prize' - anything he wants for the rest of his life. but the rules of the long walk are harsh and the stakes could not be higher. there is no finish line-the winner is the last man standing. contestants cannot receive any outside aid whatsoever. slow down under the speed limit and you're given a warning. three warnings and you're out of the game-forever.