Ultra Running Books: Must-Read List

Fictional Ultra Running Books

Fiction uses human themes to tell stories that convey deep meaning. Suffering, companionship, achievement, victory, sensation, adventure: they’re all represented in fictional stories.

And they’re literally represented in ultrarunning.

Dive into these stories to immerse yourself in the human condition and evolve through your relation to the characters. Fall into another place, time, or world. Don’t forget to bring something back with you. We put this section first in our ultra marathon book list for one simple reason: we love adventure and creativity.

Inspiring Athlete Stories

Ultra marathon runners truly are modern day gladiators. They enter dark and painful arenas to do battle with some frightful enemy. Forests and mountains and unending loops of pavement or gravel carry the sounds of their battles. Men and women, influential for their candid testimonies about the power of entering the infamous pain cave, who set the example of living a life fulfilled, of pursuing dreams, and of settling for nothing but YOUR best. These are their stories.

Read about great personalities like Dean Karnazes, Emelie Forsberg, Rich Roll, Kilian Jornet, Catra Corbett, Scott Jurek, and David Goggins in these inspiring athlete ultra marathons books. From Navy SEAL training to Western States 100, you’ll be captivated by what one can accomplish with a proper mindset, and an adventurous spirit.

Just getting familiar with these athletes? Perhaps start with Born to Run or Finding Ultra.

Ultra Marathon Books about Training

Training for an ultra marathon is more than good running shoes and daydreams of the finish line. Simplicity is essential, especially for first-timers, but learning from those who have accomplished that which you seek (and more) can have a monumental impact on your approach and mindset. Level up your endurance training with ultrarunning books about training (or two).

Form a training plan and learn from the brightest minds in the world of ultra running. There’s a lot to learn. Start here.

Non Fiction Ultra Running Books

Stories of adventure, suffering, and perseverance are the original ultra marathons. Men and women facing danger, insurmountable odds, or grand adventure paved the way for common people to strive for greatness. The question “What am I capable of?” is born of these stories and adventures. Here’s some we recommend for ultrarunners.