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Are You a Running W*nker?
Alison Stankard is a Running Wanker. It didn’t happen overnight – but a few morning stumbles around the block somehow turned into 5ks, 10ks, marathons and more. And one day, looking at her lack of toenails, embarrassingly large collection of jazzy trainers and more lycra than an 80s nightclub, she realised, she had become a Running Wanker.
Seeking to bravely help herself and others, she wrote a viral post and quiz so others could work out if they too had the same condition. Years and millions of views later, she still gets a global audience confirming that they too, are Running Wankers. And so the book was born…
There are a lot of books about running. Serious books about marathon plans, advice on fuelling, hydration, injury prevention. This book isn’t that. It’s a sweary, honest celebration of all the things that Running Wankers new and old get up crapping in bushes, going down the stairs on your bum because your legs won’t bend the day after a marathon, lying about how much trainers cost and harbouring dreams of winning best in age at Parkrun.
Seeking to bravely help herself and others, she wrote a viral post and quiz so others could work out if they too had the same condition. Years and millions of views later, she still gets a global audience confirming that they too, are Running Wankers. And so the book was born…
There are a lot of books about running. Serious books about marathon plans, advice on fuelling, hydration, injury prevention. This book isn’t that. It’s a sweary, honest celebration of all the things that Running Wankers new and old get up crapping in bushes, going down the stairs on your bum because your legs won’t bend the day after a marathon, lying about how much trainers cost and harbouring dreams of winning best in age at Parkrun.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 4, 2026
Brilliant, funny and totally relatable!
‘Running wankers fucking slay’! 🏃♀️➡️😂
‘Running wankers fucking slay’! 🏃♀️➡️😂
July 15, 2026
I picked this book up because I myself am an avid runner.
I knew from the start that this would not be research backed or a how to guide on running but rather Alison's view on the running community as an avid runner, hoping for some good stories in between, with a focus on being a 'running wanker'. I thought the target audience of the book would be fellow runners, already immersed in running and potentially running communities however sometimes the book felt like it was more towards friends / family of runners, who let's be honest are unlikely to read the book nor be interested otherwise they would be out there hitting the pavement like the rest of us. For example chapter 24 'wanky terminology' would have been beneficial for someone who doesn't run (and to be at the start of the book) but for someone who runs, knows the terms, the book at times felt like 'who is this for'.
Also I felt that at times Alison was going for the 'as long as you're running' it's a good thing but at times there was judgement cast, like wearing all black, despite Alison wearing black a lot (at the start of her running journey) she's decided that if you're not wearing any other colour (now sporting yellow) then you must be hiding and embraced about running. Which, I think let people wear whatever they wanna wear. On the flip side, Alison mentions having to wear make up on most runs and especially marathons, however how can you judge black clothing but not see contradictions about having to wear make up.
I enjoyed the novelty of the book, however I probably wouldn't recommend it to others, there wasn't anything that stood out in terms of any hilarious stand out stories or difficulties of over coming running struggles like mental blocks, or challenging races. It was more of a humble brag of I started running, things went well for me, I started my own running community of Run Bitches Run, and I've kept on running ever since. Everything seemed to work out for Alison in terms of her running, her setting up her own marathon so it would of been good to hear stories of overcoming struggles, but maybe a Running Wanker doesn't want to admit to having to overcome struggles with their hobby and so I've missed the point of the book.
Parts felt repetitive to me, constant mention of Brenda from Park Run, after the 20th time I had to physically stop myself from rolling my eyes.
I knew from the start that this would not be research backed or a how to guide on running but rather Alison's view on the running community as an avid runner, hoping for some good stories in between, with a focus on being a 'running wanker'. I thought the target audience of the book would be fellow runners, already immersed in running and potentially running communities however sometimes the book felt like it was more towards friends / family of runners, who let's be honest are unlikely to read the book nor be interested otherwise they would be out there hitting the pavement like the rest of us. For example chapter 24 'wanky terminology' would have been beneficial for someone who doesn't run (and to be at the start of the book) but for someone who runs, knows the terms, the book at times felt like 'who is this for'.
Also I felt that at times Alison was going for the 'as long as you're running' it's a good thing but at times there was judgement cast, like wearing all black, despite Alison wearing black a lot (at the start of her running journey) she's decided that if you're not wearing any other colour (now sporting yellow) then you must be hiding and embraced about running. Which, I think let people wear whatever they wanna wear. On the flip side, Alison mentions having to wear make up on most runs and especially marathons, however how can you judge black clothing but not see contradictions about having to wear make up.
I enjoyed the novelty of the book, however I probably wouldn't recommend it to others, there wasn't anything that stood out in terms of any hilarious stand out stories or difficulties of over coming running struggles like mental blocks, or challenging races. It was more of a humble brag of I started running, things went well for me, I started my own running community of Run Bitches Run, and I've kept on running ever since. Everything seemed to work out for Alison in terms of her running, her setting up her own marathon so it would of been good to hear stories of overcoming struggles, but maybe a Running Wanker doesn't want to admit to having to overcome struggles with their hobby and so I've missed the point of the book.
Parts felt repetitive to me, constant mention of Brenda from Park Run, after the 20th time I had to physically stop myself from rolling my eyes.
August 11, 2026
Amusing!
July 29, 2026
Not sure what to make of this book. Some funny anecdotes but kind of shallow.
May 28, 2026
Read this book on holiday. My word id honestly give it six stars if I could. It’s informative, laugh out loud funny and at time quite inspirational. I love the perspective on how being a mum/ woman/ young girl affects how she approaches things (and that’s me being a bloke).
Honestly a great read, I wish this was the first book about running I ever read. Cracking job!
Honestly a great read, I wish this was the first book about running I ever read. Cracking job!
June 29, 2026
I LOL'ed many times! If you, like me, accidentally became a runner, found yourself a year in to running at a 6-hour trail run/hike, stumbled into a 10K and then a half-marathon and then the 24-hour version of previously referenced trail run/hike (mine's in September 🙃), you'll also enjoy the far-too-accurate ribbing on runners and running culture this book provides!
August 27, 2026
I am half way through this fun, entertaining, candid book… it’s brilliant!!! It’s a great insight into a fabulous lady’s running adventures and it’s absolutely hilarious. You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy it but as a passionate runner… I am definitely am a runner w*nker!
A must read for sure 💫
A must read for sure 💫
August 27, 2026
Absolutely hilarious and thoroughly entertaining! Are You a Running Wanker? is a brilliantly funny read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s packed with wit, personality, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. A refreshing and wonderfully irreverent book that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys running and a good sense of humour. Highly recommended!
August 4, 2026
Beginning and end were great, funny and relatable the middle section I found quite repetitive and a bit dull. That said l, having read the book and the repeated lists, I can announce that I'm a proud running w*nker and I don't really care 🤣
October 26, 2026
Very funny, irreverent and informative! I’ve part read and part listened to the audio book. I’ve gone backwards and forwards and enjoyed it. Totes is an absolute star, and even visited our Bookclub (yes, AND her wardrobe matched the cover 🙌💙💛) - what will the next one be about?
May 27, 2026
Brilliant read.
What a fab read. Down to earth, real and fun. I learned a lot and giggled too! I might redo the couch to 5k!
What a fab read. Down to earth, real and fun. I learned a lot and giggled too! I might redo the couch to 5k!
June 3, 2026
I absolutely loved this. Laughed out loud, trying my hardest not to wake my husband so many times!
August 27, 2026
Fantastic book about running and why we all love it so much.
October 7, 2026
Really enjoyed this book very funny and accurate as a keen runner this certainly resonated with me. When I was reading it in a public space noticed a guy smiling at me and he said yep and me
October 29, 2026
It's confirmed, I am a running wanker 😅💚
August 9, 2026
Funny, entertaining, relatable and some useful info for runners. Some great anecdotes - loved it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews