Born to Run
The hidden tribe, the ultra-runners, and the greatest race the world has never seen
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Profile Books Ltd
Publishing:11th May '28
£8.99
This title is due to be published on 11th May, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£11.99(9781861978776)
The journey in Born to Run reveals the secrets of extraordinary distance runners, exploring the culture and science behind their remarkable abilities.
At the core of Born to Run is the fascinating story of the Tarahumara, a secluded tribe of Mexican Indians renowned for their exceptional long-distance running abilities. Living in the rugged canyons of Mexico, these remarkable individuals have gained a reputation as some of the best distance runners in the world. In a striking example of their prowess, a 57-year-old member of the tribe won a prestigious 100-mile race while dressed in a toga and sandals, showcasing the unique culture and athleticism of the Tarahumara.
The narrative follows a group of elite ultra-runners, alongside the insightful author, as they embark on an adventurous journey into the canyons to uncover the secrets behind the tribe's extraordinary running skills. Through captivating storytelling, McDougall explores not only the physical aspects of running but also the mental and cultural dimensions that contribute to the Tarahumara's success. He visits various labs, including those at Harvard and Nike, in search of answers regarding human endurance and performance.
Throughout Born to Run, readers are introduced to a colorful cast of characters, such as a woman who shattered the world record for 100 miles and then impressively completed a marathon in a bikini, even taking a moment to enjoy a beer at the 20-mile mark. This engaging tale intertwines adventure, science, and the spirit of running, making it a compelling read for both athletes and casual readers alike.
Quite simply the best book you'll ever read about running - it's brilliant, and brilliantly life-affirming. -- Lloyd Bradley, author of 'The Rough Guide to Running'
Reaches the state of bliss that runners very occasionally experience in the midst of an endless run * FT *
Fascinating stuff, particularly for anyone who's ever been frustrated by the apparently shoddy mechanics of their own running body * Daily Mail *
A classic ... in ultrarunners McDougall uncovers a tribe worthy of the pioneering drifters that fired the American spirit, and in McDougall ultrarunners have found their own Kerouac or Krakauer. -- Tim Butcher, author of Blood River
A sensation ... a rollicking tale well told -- Rick Broadbent * The Times *
Part how-to manual, part scientific treatise but throughout a ripping yarn, this book will inspire everyone who reads it to think on their feet. -- Simon Redfern * Independent on Sunday *
If you're a runner, you probably won't reach the end of the first chapter without bolting for the door to get some miles behind you. * Leeds Guide *
[A] major voice of a new movement. -- Bernard Goldberg * HBO *
Good books about running are rare - Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a meditative jog compared to this blistering endurance tester - but this ranks among the strongest. -- Julian Fleming * Sunday Business Post *
Utterly unputdownable ... a fascinating peek into the lives of the publicity-shy Tarahumara and the collection of misfits who populate the world of ultra-running ... the final race in Mexico's Copper Canyon will have you turning pages faster than Usain Bolt can run for a bus. -- Natasha Young * Wanderlust *
If you're a runner, you'll love it. It's about how far we can go spiritually and physically. -- Kate Hudson, Actress * Elle *
Inspiring stuff -- Amy Lawrenson * Elle *
I read Born to Run last year and it affected me profoundly. I thought, "F*** it. I'm gonna run a marathon." -- Flea (of Red Hot Chili Peppers) * Runner's World *
ISBN: 9781781252567
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages