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The first book to share the untold story of this unique sport, from its origins in the Victorian era to the present day.
Over the past two decades, mountain, ultra and trail running has experienced a massive boom in participation, media attention and corporate consumerism. Once little more than an oddball recreation for mountain athletics romantics, the sport has become a mass activity in ways that were previously unimaginable.
In Dirtbag dreams, Carl Morris offers the first complete account of mountain, ultra and trail running in North America and Britain. Revealing the sport’s eccentric Victorian origins, he traces its development through 200 years of history, travelling from the Sierra Nevada and the English Lake District to the streets of London and New York.
Packed with gripping races and colourful characters, Dirtbag dreams is the essential companion for anyone who wants to understand this unique endurance sport.
‘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 book started as a scientific survey of the sport of mountain/ultra/trail running and evolved into three years of prodigious work by a very dedicated author – there is absolutely nothing else like it. This is the definitive description of a sport loved by millions. I highly recommend Dirtbag dreams – everyone will become excited and learn things they did not know.’
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
‘Carl Morris provides an illuminating and greatly needed genealogy of the mountain-ultra-trail sporting phenomenon. Dirtbag dreams is full of vivid storytelling of key races, 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
‘Dirtbag dreams is as ambitious as running 100 miles. Carl Morris surveys the quirky historical strands of pedestrianism, alpine running and fell running that underpin today’s mountain, ultra and trail running scene. 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
Introduction: the making of a modern sport
Part I: Fragmented origins
1 An age of spectacle
2 The mountains are calling
3 Marathon mania
4 Hard times
5 Trailblazing
Part II: Running revolution
6 A nation of athletes
7 Gold rush
8 Countercultural misfits
9 Soul sport
10 Marble in a groove
Epilogue: closing the loop
Index