Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

by Christopher McDougall
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 970
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • ISBN: 9781847652287
  • Publisher: Profile Books
  • Published: 2010-12-09
  • Formats: 8
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £11.99

Born to Run is a captivating exploration of the Tarahumara people, a reclusive tribe living in the canyons of Mexico, known for their extraordinary endurance and running prowess. The book follows a group of the world's top ultra-runners, including the author, as they venture into the treacherous terrain to learn the tribe's secrets and take them on in a grueling 50-mile race./n/nBeyond the thrilling narrative of the race, the book delves into the science and psychology of running, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and groundbreaking research from labs at Harvard and Nike. It's a compelling blend of adventure, science, and cultural discovery that will leave readers inspired and eager to hit the trail.

Reviews
Daniela Gitlin · Daniela Gitlin · 2021-08-15
exhilarating 4.50

The writing is exceptionally engaging, blending rich information with an epic adventure. The book is praised for its captivating storytelling and insightful content.

Daniela Gitlin is absolutely thrilled with the writing style of this book, describing it as 'fan-freaking-tastic.' She appreciates how the author manages to pack a wealth of information into every sentence while keeping the narrative thrilling and adventurous. This reviewer found the blend of personal journey, biography, and science to be both enlightening and entertaining. They highlight how the book's unique structure makes it a compelling read from start to finish, seamlessly weaving together different elements to create a cohesive and engaging story.

Quick quotes

    The writing is fan-freaking-tastic.

    You're given an epic adventure that is both thrilling and insightful.

    The book is a masterclass in blending personal journey, biography, and science.

AllSportsBooks.reviews · 2018-10-31
classic 4.00

The book is enjoyed for its engaging writing style and has become a classic in sports literature. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective and storytelling.

This reviewer really enjoyed the book, highlighting McDougall's writing style as a key strength. They note that 'Born to Run' has earned its place as a classic sports book, thanks to its compelling narrative and unique insights. The reviewer appreciates how the author blends personal anecdotes with broader themes, making the book both informative and entertaining. Despite some criticisms, the overall experience is positive, with the book leaving a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    McDougall's writing style is engaging and captivating.

    Born to Run has gone down as a classic sports book.

    The book offers unique perspectives and compelling storytelling.

Good Books and Good Wine · 2012-02-24
inspiring 4.20

The book is praised for its engaging narrative and insightful content. The reviewer finds it to be a compelling read that offers valuable insights into running and personal growth.

This reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, appreciating its engaging narrative and insightful content. They highlight how the book offers valuable insights into the world of running and personal growth, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the subject. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to blend different elements seamlessly, creating a cohesive and enjoyable reading experience. Overall, they found the book to be both informative and inspiring.

Quick quotes

    The book offers valuable insights into running and personal growth.

    A compelling read that blends different elements seamlessly.

    The narrative is engaging and insightful.

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