This is Running
A celebration of the world of running, exploring the culture, history, brands, races and people behind it
Published on 2. April 2026
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-1-83733-042-3 (ISBN)
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 Raramuri 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.
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 Raramuri 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.
Reviews / Votes
'THIS IS RUNNING isn't your typical running book. It's not a straightforward celebration. It's a collection of glory, in all of its forms. It somehow 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 'Even the most seasoned runner will learn something new and new runners will develop a deeper understanding of the roots of the sport. The cross section between sport and culture is intricately intertwined and the result is a book that leaves you with a fiery desire to get out the door for a run.' -- Laura Green
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Illustrations
100 photographs
Dimensions
Height: 214 mm
Width: 174 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
764 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83733-042-3 (9781837330423)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
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.
Content
Introduction
We Run
Essential Races
Health Is Wealth
The Technological Revolution
The Rise of the Supershoe
Run Clubs
A New Wave of Consumerism
The Female Experience
The Allure of Fame
The New Storytelling
Touching Grass
Testing the Limits
The Future of Running
We Run
Essential Races
Health Is Wealth
The Technological Revolution
The Rise of the Supershoe
Run Clubs
A New Wave of Consumerism
The Female Experience
The Allure of Fame
The New Storytelling
Touching Grass
Testing the Limits
The Future of Running