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This is Running

A celebration of the world of running, exploring the culture, history, brands, races and people behind it
Brief Description
'...captures all the beauty, all the anguish, all the feelings and stories and rituals that made us fall in love - and stay in love - with running.' - Anne Helen Petersen, author of Culture Study.This is Running is a celebration of the world of running,... Read More
Format: Hardback
$4500
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This is RunningΒ is a celebration of the world of running, exploring everything you'd want to know about the sport and theΒ rich culture that surrounds it.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'...captures all the beauty, all the anguish, all the feelings and stories and rituals that made us fall in love - and stay in love - with running.' - Anne Helen Petersen, author of Culture Study.

This is Running is a celebration of the world of running, exploring everything you'd need to know about the sport and the rich culture that surrounds it.


Running is huge with an estimated 621 million runners worldwide but behind that statistic is a world that is as diverse as the people who engage in it. From the elite endurance of the RarΓ‘muri tribe from Mexico who frequently run ultramarathons in nothing but simple sandals made from discarded car tires to some of the most famous races which are household names for runners and non-runners alike, coach and journalist Raziq Rauf gives a fascinating snapshot of this world.

This is Running covers why, where and how we run, incorporating insights from psychologists, sociologists and other experts from our first dash around a childhood playground to joining a run club or hitting high-altitude mountain trails whether that be for the health benefits, to make friends, test your own limits or to explore the world around you.

A host of compelling essays explore topics such as running's technological revolution, brands and streetwear, women's experiences of running, the boom of trail running and the future of the sport. Also included is a selection of the world's most notable runs including The London Marathon, the UTMB and the Barkley Marathons, and Q&As with individuals who are pioneering global running culture including influencer and comedian Laura Green, Nils Arend from The Speed Project, professional trail running athlete Dylan Bowman and Jessica Zapotechne from Girls Run NYC.

Beautifully illustrated throughout with striking photography, This is Running is the perfect gift for the obsessive runner in your life, or for anyone who wants to know more about the sport and the culture that surrounds it.

Quite simply, if you are a runner, this book is catnip to your passion.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781837330423

Publisher: Batsford

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 April 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Batsford

Illustration: 100 photographs

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 165.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Raziq Rauf is a running coach and journalist who writes about all things running on his popular Substack 'Running Sucks' (4.4k followers). He has previously written for the BBC, the Guardian, NPR, and Kerrang!. He lives in Los Angeles.

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