Feet in the Clouds

First published in 2004, Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith is the legendary story of fell running and the obsession that defined the sport. This is a complete portrait of one of the few sports to have remained utterly true to its roots—in which the point is not fame or fortune but to run the ancient, wild landscape and to be a hero... if not for everyone, in one's own individual valley.

Richard Askwith's journey takes him into a world of forbidding rocky hills, horizontal rain, fear, exhaustion, and stunning natural beauty, as well as his attempt at one of the purest and toughest challenges imaginable: the Bob Graham Round, the sport's traditional test of 42 Lake District peaks in 24 hours.

Along the way, he encounters some of the most prodigious—and unsung—athletes that Britain has produced, such as Joss Naylor, who covered the equivalent of four Everests in a single run.

To mark the book's 20th anniversary in print, this edition includes a brand-new prologue and an updated epilogue from the author, reflecting on the cult book's success. With an introduction from bestselling author Robert Macfarlane, and words from elite endurance athlete Scott Jurek, as well as newspapers The Sunday Times, Independent on Sunday, The Guardian, Observer, Scotsman and The Fellrunner.

Gripping, funny, and moving, this is a story that any aspiring runner, endurance athlete, or mountain-lover will understand well: one of extremity, heroism, and the experience of a lifetime.