Exploring the culture of trail and ultra running

A longitudinal social science research project based at the University of Lancashire, UK.

Forthcoming - November 11th 2025

“A fascinating book, filled with brilliantly selected stories, that makes an important contribution to our understanding of the development of mountain, ultra and trail running.”
Michael Crawley, author of To the Limit

“This is the definitive description of a sport loved by millions.”
Buzz Burrell, ultrarunner and co-founder of Fastest Known Times

“A fascinating history of our great sport.”
Damian Hall, runner and author of In It for the Long Run

“…told with the precision of an academic and the warmth of someone who clearly loves the sport. Highly recommend!”
Sabrina B. Little, author of The Examined Run

“For anyone serious about the sport, this book will help you understand where we've been and where we're headed. Read it and every run will feel just a bit richer.”
Doug Mayer, author of The Race That Changed Running

How has trail and ultra running grown in North America and the UK since the 1980s? This graph shows the number of finishers at races. Steady growth in the 1990s in the U.S., but a relative plateau in the UK. Followed by a pretty steep rise in both co
How has trail and ultra running grown in the U.S. and the UK? Take a look at the data below... why do you think there has been such a steep rise in the number of races over the last decade? If you want to help contribute to the project, please visit
Given that we live in risk-averse and comfort-driven societies, why do trail and ultra runners seek out apparent misery and danger? How is suffering and risk framed and understood within the trail and ultra running community? Is risk and discomfort a
Why do we do it? Dragging ourselves out of a warm bed for yet another early morning training run. Struggling through the mental and physical low points of a race. Risking injury, battling the elements. Spending days and weeks hobbling around after th

Follow our journey