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54 pages 1 hour read

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Christopher McDougall

Born to Run

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

287

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Mexico • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-70 years

Lexile Level

1040L

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Super Short Summary

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall explores an underground ultramarathon involving the Tarahumara tribe of Northwestern Mexico, renowned for their injury-free endurance running. McDougall, grappling with running injuries, is drawn into their world and seeks the elusive ultrarunner Caballo Blanco. Together, they plan a challenging race, blending Tarahumara and American superathletes, while investigating running's cultural and scientific aspects. The book includes encounters with drug traffickers.

Inspirational

Adventurous

Informative

Contemplative

Exciting

Reviews & Readership

4.5

244,688 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Christopher McDougall's Born to Run has garnered praise for its compelling storytelling and insightful exploration of running cultures, particularly the Tarahumara tribe. Readers commend its blend of adventure, science, and personal narrative, though some critique it for occasional hyperbole and lack of scientific rigor. Overall, it's an inspiring read for running enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Born to Run?

A reader who relishes Born to Run will likely be a fan of adventure, human endurance, and sports writing. This individual enjoys narratives that blend science, history, and storytelling, much like readers of Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer or Eat and Run by Scott Jurek. They seek inspiration and have a curiosity about extreme sports and the human spirit.

4.5

244,688 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

287

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Mexico • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-70 years

Lexile Level

1040L

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