Since Born to Run was published in 2009, there has been an explosion in books related to trail running, marathon running, and the personalities behind those who chase long-distance running goals and shape the culture and community of endurance running.
Here are four of the best books about trail running published in 2025, plus a few more good ones to put on your reading list this winter—or your holiday gift list this week!
The Last of the Giants: An Ultra Running Graphic Novel
The Last of the Giants: An Ultra Running Graphic Novel, by author Doug Mayer and illustrator William Windrestin, is a compelling blend of fiction and reality that explores the physical and psychological turmoil of one of the world’s hardest ultrarunning races, the Tor des Géants in Italy. It follows a fictional character’s third attempt at the rugged ultramarathon through Italy’s Aosta Valley Alps, exploring universal themes of human limits, suffering, and personal growth. It’s a bold graphic novel that illuminates both the appeal and the physical and psychological turmoil of running day and night for a week through some of the wildest terrain in Europe–and what universal lessons about life, suffering and love are learned along the way.
The Endurance Artist: Lazarus Lake, the Barkley and a Race with No End
The Endurance Artist: Lazarus Lake, the Barkley and a Race with No End is the first authorized biography of Gary Cantrell, better known as Lazarus Lake, the enigmatic creator of the world’s most challenging ultramarathons. The book offers an all-access look into the mind of Cantrell, who has been described as a “hillbilly genius” and the “Leonardo da Vinci of pain.” Author Jared Beasley, a journalist who embedded himself in the culture of Cantrell’s events, explores how Laz’s unique philosophy and life experiences—including surviving a brain tumor as a youth—challenge conventional ideas about success, failure, and human potential.
Ultrarunning’s Buckle Fever: Origins of the Western States Endurance Run
Ultrarunning’s Buckle Fever: Origins of the Western States Endurance Run was written by Shannon Yewell Weil, the co-founder of the iconic Western States 100-mile race. It chronicles the race’s deep roots from the 1955 Tevis Cup horse race to Gordy Ainsleigh’s 1974 run, detailing how pioneering figures and community passion forged the world’s first 100-mile trail ultra and why it remains the most revered race in the U.S. and why runners race for a coveted belt buckle finisher’s award
100 Runs of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Races and Trails
100 Runs of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Races and Trails, by legendary Runner’s World staffer Bart Yasso, is a National Geographic guidebook featuring 100 curated running routes and races worldwide, from iconic marathons like Boston to unique challenges like the Antarctica Marathon and the Great Wall Marathon, catering to all levels of runners with options for scenery, PRs, and unique experiences. The book serves as a guide to discovering epic races, scenic routes, new challenges, or personal bests. A collection of 100 diverse running experiences, including famous races (Boston Marathon, Bolder Boulder 10K, Empire State Run-Up) and unique adventures (Lewa Safari Marathon, Antarctica Marathon, Great Wall Marathon, Hood to Coast Relay, Mount Blanc Ultra).
Others great running books to consider
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, & the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
In this epic New York Times bestseller, journalist Christopher McDougall went a quest that leads him to Mexico’s remote Copper Canyons, home to the Tarahumara (or Rarámuri, “Running People”), a near-mythical tribe renowned for their ability to run hundreds of miles without rest, injury, or modern running shoes, often while wearing only simple, homemade sandals.
The Trail Runner’s Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras
This practical and inspiring guide to all aspects of trail running was written by Sarah Lavender Smith, a 2025 Hardrock 100 finisher. Packed with motivation, expert tips, and colorful anecdotes from top names in the sport, this guide will help you boost your performance and discover true happiness with every step.
Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet
Authored by Tina Muir and Zoë Rom, this guide provides actionable advice designed to improve a runner’s personal endurance (both mentally and physically) while simultaneously inspiring meaningful actions to protect the environment. It offers strategies for building strong, community-oriented running groups and underscores the importance of climate justice, ultimately encouraging runners to live a more purpose-driven, sustainable lifestyle that benefits both themselves and the planet.
There is No Finish: The Backyard Ultra Story
This book from journalist Stephen Parker plunges readers into the heart of the exploding global phenomenon known as the backyard style of ultrarunning races conceived by Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake.
The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports
Author Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, writes a memoir about his relationship with his late father, weaving in stories of remarkable men and women who have used the sport to transcend some of the hardest moments in life
Choosing to Run: A Memoir
This memoir from Boston marathon winner and emerging trail runner Des Linden intertwines career milestones with race-day drama, exploring themes of perseverance, self-belief, embracing the underdog status, and finding meaning in the daily grind of training.
Don’t Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness
Keira D’Amato shares the story of her unexpected return to elite running in her md-30s after leaving the sport in her 20s due to injury and the desire to start a family.
The Rise of the Ultra Runners
Award-winning author, journalist, and podcaster Adharanand Finn travels to the heart of the sport to investigate the reasons behind its rise and discover what it takes to join the ranks of ultrarunners.
Trail Running Illustrated: The Art of Running Free
Beautifully illustrated by Schreiber Marion, Trail Running Illustrated by Doug Mayer and Brian Metzler offers clear, concise advice on how to get started in the world of off-road running.
Running with the Buffaloes
This cult classic from Chris Lear chronicles the highs and lows of the University of Colorado men’s cross country team’s intense 1998 season.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
In this reflective memoir, acclaimed novelist Haruki Murakami explains how his passion for running became both a discipline and a metaphor for his creative process.
