What better way to explore your passion for running than by reading a book about... well, running?
Maybe you get rest day jitters and want to distract your restless mind by finding inspiration for wherever your running journey will take you next. Or perhaps you want to brush up on your theory or read up on the experiences of other runners as they push their limits around the world.
We’ve prepared a list of diverse books about running and trail running that will have you hooked from the first page to the last: Visit distant tribes and communities where running is a part of everyday life; follow our authors across towering mountain tops and along rugged coastlines; read up on different training techniques; and find out why you’re always getting injured. Take a step back from your own training, dive into a world where nothing is impossible, and prepare to be amazed along the way!
Whatever your tastes, there’ll be something for you here. Happy reading!
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GO TO THE RECOMMENDERBy Christopher McDougall
Born to Run explores the mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, who are reputed to be the best ultrarunners in the world. They live in the deadly copper canyons found in north-eastern Mexico and think nothing of running 100 miles in a day without stopping to rest. McDougall travels to visit the Tarahumara and tries to understand the secret behind their superhuman endurance and astounding good health. The book culminates in a 50-mile race across the canyons.
Published by Lonely Planet
If you’ve always dreamed of conquering the world with your trainers, this guide will certainly whet your appetite for adventure! Travel around the globe to discover some of the greatest running routes on offer. You’ll find a mix of city runs, renowned marathons, mountain runs, and ultramarathons—something to please everyone. Each route comes with fantastic photos and practical details, as well as suggestions for similar runs around the world.
By Adharanand Finn
Adharanand Finn packed up his trainers (and his family) and headed out to Kenya to try and unravel the secrets behind the success of the Kenyan runners. He trained alongside Olympic champions, young hopefuls, and barefoot schoolchildren, with his stay culminating in his first ever marathon across the Kenyan plains.
Running with the Kenyans isn’t just about the sport; it’s a book about chasing dreams, the challenges of raising a family in an unknown culture, and a fascinating insight into a beautiful country.
By Anna McNuff
Anna Mcnuff took on New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometre-long Te Araroa Trail over 148 days, running up to 52 kilometres every day. An outstanding feat and life-changing adventure, her book is a story of courage, vulnerability, and finding oneself in the wilderness. This is a story that will inspire you to push past fear and uncertainty to follow your dreams.
By Haruki Murakami
Possibly a surprising revelation about Haruki Murakami, if you’ve already read any of his extremely successful novels, is that he’s also an impressive runner. This book is a beautiful read and offers a compelling insight into the life of this internationally bestselling writer. It covers his four-month preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon and reflects upon the influence the sport has had on his life and writing over the years.
By Chris Napier
All runners should read this book. The Science of Running will help you build on your foundations, make you a stronger runner, and avoid injury, whether you’re just starting out or an experienced marathoner. Inside the pages, you’ll find explanations on the anatomy and physiology of runners and how your body changes during a training cycle, as well as descriptions of common injuries and how to prevent them from happening. The book also includes exercises and training programmes that can be adapted to your needs and objectives, as well as information on proper hydration and nutrition.
by Martinus Evans
When Martinus Evans was advised by his doctor that he needed to lose weight, he decided that he was going to run a marathon. Since then, he has run eight marathons, created his own running community, and has even been featured on the cover of Runner's World. This book is for those who don’t fit the typical mould of a runner and to show that personal success shouldn’t be dictated by other peoples' values. Anyone can be empowered to embark on their own running journey. This book offers specialised advice to help you get started, with information on gear, nutrition, training schedules, recovery tips, races, and finding a running group. The Slow AF Run Club is for anyone who wants to overcome their demons and find joy in running.
by Bella Mackie
Bella Mackie wrote this book to share how running has helped her overcome deep-rooted mental health problems and get her life back on track after a testing period. With contributions from doctors, psychologists, sportspeople, and friends, she shares how running and exercise in general can be the best medicine for the mind and body.
By Nick Butter
Nick Butter ran around the entire coastline of Britain's mainland coastline: 5,250 miles, 128 days, and over 12 hours on his feet every day. Run Britain is his account of his incredible adventure, through the highs and the lows, and across epic coastal landscapes, as he raced against the clock to become the fastest person to have ever made this journey on foot.
By Damien Hall
Ultrarunner Damian Hall arrived relatively late on the running scene when he ran his first marathon at age 36. Since then, his running journey has featured numerous 100-mile ultramarathons and recently culminated in an astounding record on the 261-mile Pennine Way. In It for the Long Run tells the story of Hall’s nine-year preparation for his attempt and his experiences along the way.
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