Burst into stories where the essence of speed, endurance, and the sport’s legacy come alive.
Explore tales of fierce rivalries and legendary athletes, gaining exclusive insight into the heart and soul of track and field.
Gear up to race through the most captivating track and field narratives assembled.
Best Track and Field Books:
- Born to Run – A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
- Once a Runner – A Novel
- The Perfect Mile – Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It
- Pre – The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine
- Bowerman and the Men of Oregon – The Story of Oregon’s Legendary Coach and Nike’s Cofounder
- Running with the Buffaloes – A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men’s Cross Country Team
- Duel in the Sun – Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America’s Greatest Marathon
- The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner – A Novel
- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – A Memoir
- Running for My Life – One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games
- The Science of Running – How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance
- Unbroken – A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Table of Contents
- #1 Born to Run – A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
- #2 Once a Runner – A Novel
- #3 The Perfect Mile – Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It
- #4 Pre – The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine
- #5 Bowerman and the Men of Oregon – The Story of Oregon’s Legendary Coach and Nike’s Cofounder
- #6 Running with the Buffaloes – A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men’s Cross Country Team
- #7 Duel in the Sun – Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America’s Greatest Marathon
- #8 The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner – A Novel
- #9 What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – A Memoir
- #10 Running for My Life – One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games
- #11 The Science of Running – How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance
- #12 Unbroken – A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
- FAQ
#1 Born to Run – A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
- ✍️ Author: Christopher McDougall
- 📆 Year Published: 2009
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History, Fiction and Literature
Christopher McDougall’s “Born to Run” is an epic adventure that starts with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? This quest leads him to Mexico’s Copper Canyons where he encounters the Tarahumara Indians, legendary for their endurance running and ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury.
McDougall explores the secrets of this hidden tribe, while also weaving together science and incredible storytelling. It’s a narrative that not only entertains but also inspires readers to rethink physical potential and the limits of human endurance.
#2 Once a Runner – A Novel
- ✍️ Author: John L. Parker Jr.
- 📆 Year Published: 1978
- 📘 Genre: Fiction and Literature
John L. Parker Jr.’s “Once a Runner” captures the essence of competitive running and has become a cult classic among runners. The novel follows the story of Quenton Cassidy, an athlete willing to test his limits in the pursuit of greatness.
Cassidy’s journey of self-discovery and relentless training leads to a climactic and heart-pounding race, making the book both a celebration and an exploration of the runner’s art. It’s a timeless novel that resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of racing towards a personal or professional finish line.
#3 The Perfect Mile – Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It
- ✍️ Author: Neal Bascomb
- 📆 Year Published: 2004
- 📘 Genre: History, Biographies and Autobiographies
“The Perfect Mile” chronicles the journey of three elite athletes—Roger Bannister, John Landy, and Wes Santee—as they pursued the once-thought-impossible dream:
running a mile in under four minutes. Author Neal Bascomb recounts their struggles and triumphs during the tense build-up to this monumental achievement in the 1950s. Meticulously researched, this narrative captures an inspiring moment in sports history and the human spirit’s capacity to push beyond perceived limits into new realms of possibility.
#4 Pre – The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine
- ✍️ Author: Tom Jordan
- 📆 Year Published: 1977
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
“Pre” illuminates the passionate and dramatic life of Steve Prefontaine, a runner who, before his tragic death at 24, captivated the nation and revolutionized the sport.
Tom Jordan provides an intimate look at Pre’s gutsy racing style and charismatic personality, making it clear why he became an enduring icon. This biography not only recounts his phenomenal career but also explores the complex character of this star athlete and the legacy he left behind in the world of track and field.
#5 Bowerman and the Men of Oregon – The Story of Oregon’s Legendary Coach and Nike’s Cofounder
- ✍️ Author: Kenny Moore
- 📆 Year Published: 2006
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
Kenny Moore’s “Bowerman and the Men of Oregon” details the life of the legendary track coach Bill Bowerman who co-founded Nike. Bowerman’s innovations in running shoe technology changed athletics forever.
This book gives readers a definitive look at his influence on the sport and the generation of athletes he mentored, which contributed significantly to making track and field what it is today. Moore, a former athlete under Bowerman, provides a personal and compelling narrative that captures the coach’s complex personality and indelible impact.
#6 Running with the Buffaloes – A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men’s Cross Country Team
- ✍️ Author: Chris Lear
- 📆 Year Published: 2000
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Youth and High School Track and Field
“Running with the Buffaloes” takes readers into the world of collegiate cross country by following the University of Colorado’s team during a season of triumph and tragedy.
With unprecedented access, author Chris Lear provides an intimate and inspiring look at Coach Mark Wetmore’s training philosophy and the individual stories of runners like Adam Goucher. This book is a raw and revealing depiction of the dedication required in one of the most demanding of collegiate sports, resonating with runners and sports enthusiasts alike.
#7 Duel in the Sun – Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America’s Greatest Marathon
- ✍️ Author: John Brant
- 📆 Year Published: 2006
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
“Duel in the Sun” delves into the 1982 Boston Marathon, where Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley fought head-to-head in one of the most thrilling races in marathon history.
John Brant tells the story of these two athletes, their historic battle, and the dramatic twists that their lives took in the years following the race. The book is a gripping account of endurance, willpower, and competitive spirit, offering insight into what pushes athletes to their limits and the aftermath of great performances.
#8 The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner – A Novel
- ✍️ Author: Alan Sillitoe
- 📆 Year Published: 1959
- 📘 Genre: Fiction and Literature
Alan Sillitoe’s “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” is a classic work of fiction that transcends sports literature. The collection of short stories, with the titular story as its centerpiece, depicts a young rebel from a poor neighborhood who turns to long-distance running as a means of both physical and emotional escape.
The book speaks not only to the solitary nature of the sport but also to the class struggle and defiance against the establishment. A stark and moving account, it captures the meditative and transformative experience of running, offering a raw and powerful narrative.
#9 What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – A Memoir
- ✍️ Author: Haruki Murakami
- 📆 Year Published: 2007
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Fiction and Literature
In “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,” celebrated novelist Haruki Murakami reflects on his intertwined obsessions with writing and running. More than just a memoir about sport, it delves into the discipline and perseverance required for both marathons and novels.
Murakami’s introspective and philosophical musings weave through anecdotes from various races and training experiences, offering a look into the mind of one of contemporary literature’s giants. This book is both a meditation and a motivator, captivating for runners, writers, and fans of Murakami alike.
#10 Running for My Life – One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games
- ✍️ Author: Lopez Lomong and Mark Tabb
- 📆 Year Published: 2012
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
“Running for My Life” is the remarkable autobiography of Lopez Lomong, one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan, who overcame extraordinary adversity to become an American Olympian.
Co-authored with Mark Tabb, the book chronicles Lomong’s journey from being kidnapped by rebel soldiers to finding refuge in the United States and eventually representing his new country in the Olympics. It’s a powerful story of hope, resilience, and the unifying power of sports—a testament to the spirit and determination that can lead to greatness against all odds.
#11 The Science of Running – How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance
- ✍️ Author: Steve Magness
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
In “The Science of Running,” coach and sports scientist Steve Magness draws on cutting-edge research to offer a comprehensive guide to running performance.
The book breaks down the complexities of the sport, from physiological factors to training techniques, giving readers actionable insights into how to train effectively and understand their bodies’ responses. Ideal for coaches, athletes, and serious students of the sport, Magness’s work attempts to translate the science of running into the art of coaching, providing a blueprint for running success.
#12 Unbroken – A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
- ✍️ Author: Laura Hillenbrand
- 📆 Year Published: 2010
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken” is the true story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who endured unimaginable hardships as a prisoner of war during World War II.
This narrative captures Zamperini’s indomitable spirit, from his youthful track achievements to the resilience he displayed while facing brutal conditions and existential challenges during and after his captivity. Hillenbrand’s meticulous research and powerful prose bring this incredible tale of survival, perseverance, and redemption to life, making “Unbroken” an unforgettable saga that transcends the sports genre.
FAQ
What are the best Track and Field books of all time?
“Once a Runner,” “Born to Run,” “Bowerman and the Men of Oregon,” “Running with the Buffaloes,” and “The Perfect Mile” are the best Track and Field books of all time. Each of these books provides an engaging narrative that captures the spirit, discipline, and history of the sport.
What is the best Track and Field book for adults?
“The Sports Gene” by David Epstein is the best Track and Field book for adults, delving deep into the science of athletic performance and genetics.
What are the best books for Track and Field fundamentals and strategy?
“The Science of Running” and “Daniels’ Running Formula” are the best books for Track and Field fundamentals and strategy, offering detailed insights into training methods, biomechanics, and coaching techniques.
