This Is Running: A Celebration of the World of Running, Exploring the Culture, History, Brands, Races and People Behind It

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 Rarámuri 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.

Author: Raziq Rauf
Publisher: Batsford
Published: 04/07/2026
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.66lbs
Size: 8.52h x 6.88w x 1.07d
ISBN: 9781837330423

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.