The Top 5 Running Books of 2024

For runners, books offer more than just words on a page—they provide inspiration, knowledge, and a window into the lives of those who live and breathe the sport. The running literature of 2024 has been exceptional, featuring gripping personal stories, groundbreaking training insights, and adventurous tales. Whether you're an avid marathoner or a casual jogger, these five books are must-reads in 2025.

1. Out of Thin Air by Michael Crawley

Whilst this book wasn't released this year, it is top of my list for reading in 2024. Michael Crawley’s "Out of Thin Air" takes readers into the heart of Ethiopian running culture. Crawley, an anthropologist and elite runner, trains alongside some of the world’s fastest athletes. The book provides a deep dive into the techniques, traditions, and mindset that make Ethiopian runners so dominant on the world stage. Crawley’s vivid storytelling and firsthand experiences will inspire readers to rethink their approach to running and life. We hear so much about the Kenyans, its time to learn about the Ethiopians!

Purchase 'Out of Thin Air'

2. The Fastest Boy in the World by Elizabeth Laird

This children's book absolutely blew me away and left a deep impression on me. Elizabeth Laird’s "The Fastest Boy in the World" blends the excitement of running with a compelling coming-of-age story. Set in Ethiopia, this fictional tale follows Solomon, a young boy with dreams of becoming a champion runner. The narrative captures the spirit of perseverance and the cultural significance of running, making it a heartwarming read for all ages. While it’s a work of fiction, its themes resonate deeply with runners and dreamers alike.

Purchase 'The Fastest Boy in the World'

3. Jog On by Bella Mackie

A remarkable personal stories that entwines running with my home city of London. In "Jog On," Bella Mackie shares her deeply personal journey of how running became a lifeline during her struggles with mental health. With wit and honesty, Mackie chronicles her transformation from someone paralyzed by anxiety to a confident runner who uses the sport to cope and thrive. This book isn’t just about running—it’s about resilience, self-discovery, and finding joy in the smallest of steps. It shows how running can transform us as humans. 

Purchase 'Jog On'

4. Hardest Geezer: Mind Over Miles by Russell Cook

This was the running 'story' that gripped the online world for so long this year, and the book does not disappoint as a memoir of this experience. Russell Cook’s "Hardest Geezer" is an extraordinary tale of endurance and determination. Cook recounts his journey as he became the first person to run the length of Africa from south to north. From facing extreme climates to overcoming logistical nightmares, Cook’s story is a testament to the power of grit and the human spirit. This book is perfect for those who love adventure and are curious about the limits of human capability.

Purchase 'Hardest Geezer: Mind Over Miles'

5. Unbroken: My Journey from Despair to Glory by Katarina Johnson-Thompson

After a year of injuries, this book hit particularly hard upon its release. In Unbroken, Olympic heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson shares her journey of recovery, resilience, and redemption. Though not exclusively about running, her story resonates deeply with runners who understand the struggles of injury, self-doubt, and the long road back to peak performance. KJT's candid reflections on balancing mental toughness and vulnerability inspire athletes of all disciplines to keep pushing forward.

 Purchase 'Unbroken'

These top five running books of 2024 offer something for everyone, from tales of adventure and culture to deeply personal journeys and fictional inspiration. Whether you’re looking to improve your training, find motivation, or simply enjoy a good story, these books are worth adding to your reading list.

If you're not running, read about running!