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

Author Raziq Rauf

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.

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.

Publish Date: April 07, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Category: Sports & Recreation - Running & Jogging
Publisher: Batsford
Trim Size: 6-1/2 x 8-1/4
Pages: 240
US Price: $30.00
CDN Price: $40.00
ISBN: 978-1-83733-042-3

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Reviews

"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 McGreen, Running content creator with a 232k following on IG

"It’s a running book with 11 chapters, covering all different aspects of the running world, with a global perspective. It covers topics such as health and technology, super shoes, marginal gains, future of running, brands and run clubs. The opening pages are about essential races and different ways of running. I hope that whatever your running interests are, you’ll find it in this book." —Raziq Rauf via Wings & Spikes on Substack

"As the global running experience continues to grow in size and ambition, This Is Running is the anchor we all need. Raz writes with an easy precision and a low-key, knowing wit: a true gift to runners at large." — Howie Goldklang, Author, Salt & Flickers Founder, Silver Lake Track Club

"This Is Running is a beautiful book in every sense of the word. I've got a whole library of running books, but this one will remain on the coffee table for everyone to enjoy." — Matt Fitzgerald, author of 80/20 running: Run Stronger and Race Faster by Training Slower

"...proof that the most valuable voices in any culture are often the ones standing slightly to the side" — Tempo Journal