Over the span of my running career I’ve gone from devouring every publication of Runner’s World to reading all the best running books. More are released each year, which means my fun never ends and I’ve updated this list again for 2025.
We know that the overall concept of a good training cycle is simple, but that doesn’t mean easy and it doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of little pieces we need to know too!
And let’s be honest we love the details! Finding the right running book not only improves the way you train, but often your mindset.
It’s almost impossible to narrow down my favorites, but I have continuously updated this list over the years with new things and what I still find valuable in the long run. So let’s dive in to my list of the best running books and see which one’s you love too.
✅Want printable running book checklist?? I’ve made one up for you here, so that you can keep track of what you need to read from the list!
Top 50 Running Books
While I’m thrilled to be part of the community and offering thousands of running articles to help you through every moment of training, sometimes you need more.
You need to quickly reference it.
You need a beautiful story or just the right words to help you look at the situation differently.
That’s why I’ve cultivated a list of the best books for runners. I’ve also broken them out in to categories of run books:
- motivational running books from elites to everyday athletes
- running books with training plans
- books for training your mind
- training books for your body (ie. injury prevention, form, rehab)
- running novels to let you escape reality and still get pumped up
Following are some of my must reads for any runner from those just beginning to those who’ve been pounding out the miles for many years!
Since putting this post together in 2014, I’ve come across so many new books that I love, which means it has been updated consistently every single year because I read hundreds of books!
While it was painful to eliminate anything from the first list, I did it just for you! So this is my newly updated list of must read running books.
Best Motivational Running Books
Following are true stories or biographies of runners that will inspire you to push your own limits.
Yes many are tales of doing things we may never dare like running across the country or even 200 miles, but it’s the moments they go through that make you believe you can do more.
As runners, we all go through many transitions– transitions that closely mimic the larger changes we experience in a lifetime. First, we try to run faster. Then we try to run harder. Then we learn to accept ourselves and our limitations, and at last, we can appreciate the true joy and meaning of running.
Amby Burfoot
Many of these make fabulous audiobooks because you’ll get sucked in to the runner’s story and it will help you get in a few more miles on that long run!
#1 Books about Overcoming Obstacles from High Performers
Yes, there are a couple of notable books missing from this best of list and that’s because after reading them I just thought these were all better.
#2 True Stories for a Mental Boost
Again these are all still true stories told in beautiful ways…maybe just with a bigger focus on the story and the feel good versus the obstacle and achievement we see with elite runners.
#3 Running Books With Animals
I mean how are these not going to make you happy. The combo of running and a furry four legged friend is a winner.
As noted, I have read HUNDREDS of running books and this list has changed many times over the years as new books come out.
Yet some of the best running books are timeless to me and have remained on this list long after others have come out. Of course this is personal opinion, but it gives you some ideas to get your own reading going!
#4 Best Running Novels That Inspire
All right so the people in these stories may not be real, but the authors have certainly tapped in to the mindset of an athlete!
You’ll find yourself nodding frequently thinking “yes that’s me!” And while this group is small, they’re great!
#5 Best Running Training Guides
A training book may not sound like something you want to curl up on the weekend to read, but trust me these are all well worth it for any runner.
Most share hilarious stories {real runner mistakes} and have plenty of motivational stories.
When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I’d walk when cars passed me. I’d pretend I was looking at the flowers!-Joan Benoit Samuelson
Running Books for Training Plans
Whatever training you’re looking to do has a book! From eh hem the one I so clearly mentioned above to each of these based on the intensity or specific training you’re looking to do.
#6 Running Books to Understand Your Body
Tired of getting injured? Feel like your body is changing with age? Or wondering what needs to change as a female runner? Time to read up!
#7 Books to Train Your Mind
We know running involves a lot of mental trickery, so why not brush up on your skills! If you can get your mind right then your next PR or new distance is just around the corner.
RUN TO THE FINISH BOOK
In fact, since I first created this list…well I’ve written my own book!
It’s not only filled with training tips, but a humorous look at this sport we love. You’ll find yourself relating to many of the thoughts and learning how to shift your thinking for better long term running.
I guess that might make a recommendation biased, but here’s what other folks had to say:
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All right that is a MASSIVE list to get you started on your reading journey! And you will absolutely notice that Matt Fitzgerald has made the list many times.
He’s not only a prolific author, but extremely thoughtful about the information provided. Having spoken with him in person, my respect for his work is only deepened.
But in case you are looking for something more specific:
And of course if there’s a book missing let me know! Or have a new book you’d like me to read, let me know!
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