The Rise of the Ultra Runners

May 24, 2019

To explore fully one of the fastest growing sports across the globe, marathon runner Finn (Running with the Kenyans; The Way of the Runner) discovered the world of extreme distance running. His interest was piqued after his first ultramarathon, the Oman Desert Marathon, which covered roughly 100 miles over six days. Once drawn in, Finn set his sights on the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). This continuous and grueling race stretches 105 miles of trail along a hiking path in the French Alps across more than three countries. To qualify for the UTMB, Finn must complete three other preliminary races. Along the author's journey, he interviews several different characters, all with a common interest: to push their boundaries and find their limit. Finn experiences this in each race when he has to dig deep in order to motivate himself to keep going. Finn's race descriptions are so riveting, readers are running alongside him feeling all his pain and pleasure as he accomplishes each incredible distance. VERDICT Finn's account of ultrarunning is a gripping read for the casual runner to the experienced athlete. New and established fans will be enthralled.--Melissa Keegan, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2019
For some runners, conquering 26.2 miles (a marathon) is not enough of a challenge. Hence, there has been a rapid increase in the popularity of, and participation in, ultra races worldwide (distances longer than a marathon). In a logical follow-up to his earlier Running with the Kenyans (2012), Finn sets out to discover firsthand the lure of ultrarunning. Sub-three-hour marathoners up their mileage, slow their pace, and gain confidence with each new frontier, competing in ultrarunning events in England, Italy, California, and South Africa, culminating with the crown jewel, the brutal Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a 106-mile race through the Alps. Finn explores what drives an endurance athlete to travel by foot across desolate miles day and night on steep terrain (both deserts and mountains), enduring extreme and even life-threatening conditions. He asks if suffering makes us more appreciative or stronger or more-fulfilled human beings. In the end, he concludes that such harrowing experiences may not be enjoyable, but they reveal vulnerabilities, strengths, and an acute awareness of one's existence. A vivid memoir sure to resonate with marathoners and all interested in ultrarunning.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)