Dirtbag dreams

Carl Morris has spent much of his life climbing and moving through the mountains. Over the last decade he has become a committed fell and ultra runner, with a particular interest in 100-mile and multiday mountain racing. He is a sociologist, historian and social psychologist at the University of Lancashire.

‘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'Books about running can be as dull as a ten-mile road race in the Illinois flatlands, and I say that as a keen fell runner. This book isn’t.'Rose George, The Spectator Australia

• Introduction: the making of a modern sportPart I: Fragmented origins1 An age of spectacle2 The mountains are calling3 Marathon mania4 Hard times5 TrailblazingPart II: Running revolution6 A nation of athletes7 Gold rush8 Countercultural misfits9 Soul sport10 Marble in a grooveEpilogue: closing the loopIndex