Question

You're probably used to the sight of runners and joggers striding along roadsides or through parks. But running wasn't always a popular form of exercise in the United States. Before the 1970s, most runners were high school or college track athletes. But in the 1972 Olympics, an American runner named Frank Shorter captured the country's attention by winning the marathon. He was the first American to win this grueling 26-mile race since 1908. Shorter's victory inspired many people to start running regularly. But the "running craze" really took off five years later, when Jim Fixx wrote The Complete Book of Running. The book, which promoted the health benefits of running, sold over a million copies. Doctors also recommended running as a way to improve health and fitness. By the 1980s, about 25 million Americans had taken up running.

Which is the BEST summary of the passage?

a
Today, 25 million Americans run for exercise. Frank Shorter got the running craze started in 1972, but Jim Fixx and a handful of doctors are responsible for convincing people they need to take up running to become healthy and fit.
b
Running for exercise wasn't popular in the United States until the 1970s. That's when Frank Shorter's Olympics marathon win and Jim Fixx's book about running helped interest people in running to improve their health and fitness.
c
Since 1970, more than 25 million people have started running for exercise. They run because they admire Frank Shorter and have read a book called The Complete Book of Running by Jim Fixx.
d
Before the 1970s, only high school and college track athletes were interested in running. Then Frank Shorter won a race, Jim Fixx wrote a book, and soon 25 million people were running for exercise.

Answer 1

b

This choice accurately and concisely captures the passage's main points: running wasn't popular until the 1970s, and Frank Shorter's Olympic win plus Jim Fixx's book helped spark interest in running for health and fitness.