Full Description
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.
Contents
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
