Born to Run (Softback)

Chris McDougall, is a writer at large for Runner’s World and an Ultramarathoner. What sets his book apart from all the rest out there is a unique story about the best (and most reclusive) Ultrarunners in the world, how he came to compete with them, in a 50 mile race, on their terrain — the almost impenetrable Barrancas del Cobre, Mexico’s Copper canyons – and the way it transformed not only his running but his whole outlook on the reason we are inspired to run. Chris had heard the tales about the Tarahumara, a tribe of Mexican Indians who are reputed to be the best distance runners in the world. In 1993 one of them won a prestigious 100-mile race wearing a toga and sandals – and he was fifty-seven years old. So he set out to find them, and to discover their secrets, during the search he encountered some remarkable characters from the world of Ultra Trail Running, and by the end of it had transformed himself from a guy who struggled to run a few miles without getting injured into a proper Ultrarunner. He also discovered that contrary to what your doctor might say, humans are made for Ultrarunning.

‘Born to Run is a fascinating and inspiring true adventure story, based on humans pushing themselves to the limits. A brilliantly written account of extraordinary endurance, far from home — that also explains how anyone can run better – it’s destined to become a classic.’
—Ranulph Fiennes