Extreme Running

by Kym McConnell, Dave Horsley, Ranulph Fiennes (Foreword)

Running is an inexpensive, practical, and convenient sport, but some take it to the limit. From cold-weather running in Alaska to the intense heat of the Sahara Marathon, athletes attempt to overcome the elements. Extremes of environment, route, and geography are another trails through dense jungle and over soaring mountain ranges. The rewards are experiences of a lifetime, the sense of having been to largely unexplored places, and realizing unique ambitions. Never before has there been a manual to pull together all the elements of this new but fast-growing sport, touching on every aspect from lone desert running to ultramarathons. The follow-up to Extreme Golf and Extreme Sailing , this third volume is a must-have for all runners.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice little book that describes some extreme races and has some great photos. It was not what I wanted it to be, I wanted it to be more of a narrative about experiences. It really was more of a little encyclopedia of hard races.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can tell from the title this book is based on runners running in extreme conditions in different marathons all around the world. I would look at this book as a motivational book for any type of athlete's because of how determined the runners are in this book. The book takes place all around the world, there are 7 different chapters with each chapter being based on 1 different continent where these extreme marathons are healed. If you see some of the extreme areas where these marathons take place that being from 100+ degrees to below 0 degrees you'll be surprised with the type of endurance these athletes have. I like how the book is written because they write it as if they know what it feels to be able to endure these type of runs as if they have already competed in them and they make the writing motivating for the reader because it changes your mentality and think we'll if these people can get through these type of runs why can't I. From 24 to up to 48 hours of running these athletes consider this their sport because of the passion they have for it. They don't run just to run they live what they do just like any other person would love doing whatever their passion is. I also like how competitions include a lot of different people all around the world anybody can sign up for these marathons. There are a lot of different people ethnicity's involved in these marathons and that makes it even more interesting for any reader because it attracts attention. If athletics aren't really your passion or you are not a really big passive person for exercising then I don't know if this book would be the write fit for you. This book attracts runners, athletes and people that are willing to learn more about the different types of sports or things that happen around the world. If you're inspired by seeing people he successful in what they love to do then this is a great book for you.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A I LOVED this book -- I think it was written for me. Various races around the globe -- divided into chapters by continents -- are profiled for their extreme elements. Some I am quite familiar with -- like Badwater, which I would like to one day conquer. Others I never want to do -- like the Jungle Marathon (jaguar terrirtory and swimming through rivers, wading through swamps, looks really horrific!). I think I learned what I want in an ultra (aid stations, please; I don't want a carry all my gear type) but this was inspirational and amazing. Great photographs. Highly recommended for all runners and dreamers.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up the book as many years ago I travelled with one of the people who planned one of the courses mentioned in the book. It also has a trail I want to do one day, around Mont - Blanc.
Really a small coffee table book. Lots of pictures, a summary of each of the 24 races mentioned and a bit of a story for each. Nice

[Sarah]

This book reviews the more extreme running events around the world. I would have enjoyed a more lengthy section on North America, but it is still a great book with alot of little tips for runners.

[John Leighton · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of an encyclopedia of some of the world's toughest ultras. Nice photos, but was hoping for a book that went into more detail on each event.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of any of these events before. A concise way to ignite interest in extreme racing.

[Ryan Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Particularly the races which it focused on more in-depth.

[Rivo Sarapik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bucket list, kind of, for an endurance junkie.