Whether you’re a weekend warrior or ultramarathon star, these 6 novels on running will have you lacing your shoes and hitting the pavement.
For as long as I can remember I’ve been a long-distance runner. School days were spent pegging my nose shut at dirty Brooks running shoes at the bottom of my bag, fished out after the siren to put to work over solid several miles of road, dirt track and spongy grass. Two decades on, and I still know no better way to clear my head than getting outdoors for a few miles under my belt.
But novels about running are far less common than the likely readers they would attract. Perhaps there’s too great a challenge to put the feeling of enduring and completing a marathon or an ultra into words?
Unlikely.
And I say that because—despite the niche genre being incredibly small—there are several beautiful, poetic and image-provoking fiction books on running that deserve your attention.
Here are 6 fiction books on running to inspire your long-distance goals:
Once A Runner
by John L. Parker Jr.
A cult classic, Once A Runner follows college drop-out and die-hard runner Quenton Cassidy, who’s dreamed of running a sub-four-minute mile. Shunned as an outcast, he’s driven to a brutal training regime to become the best “miler” in the world, with gold medalist Olympian spurring him on as the older, wiser coach.
A book for runners (non-runners will perhaps miss the beauty of this read) that prompted Runner’s World Magazine to call it “the best novel ever written about running,” Once A Runner established global renown after its 1978 publication, inspiring thousands of runners worldwide with its incredibly accurate portrayal of the runner’s life. Love it or hate it, this classic deserves first place on this list.
The Running Dream
by Wendelin Van Draanen
After losing a leg in a car accident, Jessica’s prosthetic leg becomes the brutal barrier between her and her long held love of track running. But, while supported by friends and family, it’s her own astonishing will power that gives her the best chance of returning to the track once again.
This is Young Adult fiction at its finest, with so many brilliant themes to inspire any runner to push forward with their sporting dreams, no matter the challenges they’re faced with.
Forrest Gump
by Winston Groom
We all know the story of Forrest Gump, the most unassuming hero America has ever met. From accidental star of the university football team to Vietnam war hero to cross-country running sensation, Forrest is the epitome of dark horse, as he wanders through his life like a child but with all the achievements and winner’s accolades of a Shwarzenegger, Jordan or Gretzky.
You’ve most likely seen the film. Now, it’s time to read the book.
Who She Is
by Diane Byington
It’s 1967. Faye Smith and her family take up residence in Florida, where another new school awaits. Pushing back against her mother and her own epilepsy, Faye discovers her talent of running when trying out for the track team. Faye enters the Boston Marathon, despite women being banned from taking part. A gripping story of a wonderful heroine, Faye struggles against parental disapproval, gender biases and physical shortcomings to find her own way on the race track.
Story sound familiar? In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor despite women being unable to race (until 1972). Her brave act encouraged many women to run, to push against the patriarchy and even to write stunning fiction books on running, like Who She Is.
Race Across The Sky
by Derek Sherman
Estranged brothers Caleb and Shane Oberest share few interests. Caleb is an ultramarathon runner who chose 100-mile marathons over his family, while Shane works in biotech. It’s when Caleb’s partner’s baby is diagnosed with a fatal genetic condition that Shane comes to the rescue for his adventure-hungry brother. Their journey together tests both their endurance and shows the lengths each will go for their family.
This describes the running addiction beautifully. Ultra marathons are particularly hard on the athlete’s family, given the incredible planning and preparation required to compete. Which is why the family-focused themes tie in so well with Caleb’s ultramarathon obsession. The descriptions and depictions of a runner’s life are spot on.
Racing The Rain
by John L. Parker Jr.
Given it’s such a great read, as well as the huge contribution to the sport its predecessor made, I couldn’t leave out Once A Runner’s prequel. Quenton Cassidy is a barefoot kid with a drive like no one else in Florida’s Gold Coast. His motivation to become a world class athlete is sparked, despite basketball being his first love.
The most beautiful part of this book is its philosophical undertaking, which is something its predecessor lacked. An eccentric character bestows the wisdom that running is a primal act that should be used as a way of connecting to the natural world. That is my view too, which is why I actually loved this just as much (if not more) than Parker Jr.’s world-renowned first novel on running.
Enjoyed these titles? Then make sure you check out our favorite books about walking and trekking to inspire your next adventure on foot.