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  • Born to Run

  • A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
  • By: Christopher McDougall
  • Narrated by: Fred Sanders
  • Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (20,027 ratings)

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Born to Run

By: Christopher McDougall
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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Publisher's summary

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The astonishing and hugely entertaining story that completely changed the way we run. An epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt?

“Equal parts quest, physiology treatise, and running history.... The climactic race reads like a sprint.... It simply makes you want to run.” —Outside Magazine

Isolated by Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America’s best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.

©2009 Knopf (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

“Compelling. . . . Entertaining. . . . [McDougall] uses an extended portrait of one of the world's least known cultures, the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyons, to put modern American running under an exacting magnifying glass.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Equal parts quest, physiology treatise, and running history. . . . [McDougall] seeks to learn the secrets of the Tarahumara the old-fashioned way: He tracks them down. . . . The climactic race reads like a sprint. . . . It simply makes you want to run.”—Outside Magazine

“Hugely entertaining. . . . One of the most joyful and engaging books about running to appear for many years.”—The Irish Times

Featured Article: The Best Running Audiobooks You Should Be Listening to


Running can be an arduous task, especially for those who are new to the sport. It can also be a life-giving force for those who are already more involved in the running community. Either way, it’s one of the best athletic ventures to couple with a great audiobook. Listening to the inspirational stories of other runners can be just what you need to push through a difficult jog or set a new personal record. Our list of great listens about running has you covered.

What listeners say about Born to Run

Average customer ratings
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Fast paced, new ideas, great story

I really enjoyed this book as it challenged my idea of running. While I will always be loyal to Nike... it really challenged the traditional thought of running and what to wear. I changed my style because of this book! Really fun story that you will share with friends!

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Amazing insights'

The story and underlying theory are woven together in the most fun and compelling way. Running is more than a hobby for many of us but the author take us to another level of commitment to a lifestyle and a realization of what humans are meant to do.... Very enjoyable.

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great book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen to be better than the print version?

It wasn't the reader that made this book.

Any additional comments?

You don't need to be a runner to be fascinated and interested in this book. The characters in it amazed and baffled me.I couldn't stop listening.



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super interesting and entertaining

I am not a runner and I absolutely love this book. It is very interesting and well-researched and the writing is outstanding. highly recommended

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Really captivating!

As some one who has run only a few 10K runs and suffered in the process I found this captivating story a real beauty and inspiration. I feel like running a marathon after listening to this. Extremely well written and very interesting with an excellent narrating, this was a a great surprise and a full joy. Recommended not only for runners but for nature lovers and adventurers of all kinds.

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Inspired me to improve my running form!

Improved my running form. Learned about the legendary Raramuri. Learned I'm a chabochi. Got real hungry with all the talk about fresh handmade tortillas and frijoles. Loved it.

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Holy smokes this was a great book.

Can't leave a review I'm heading out for a run! This book has inspired me to hit the local trails.

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Amazing

This might be the greatest book I’ve ever read. If you’re passionate about running this will leave you with goose bumps. It’s an amazing story and really makes you appreciate how special people and running are.

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Life Changing

This book is one of the top 5 books I have ever read! Christopher McDougall is a masterful story teller that brings other people's amazing stories to life while interweaving his own personal experiences. If you want to grasp what the human being is capable of in a humorous yet informative way, this book is a must read.

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Instant Favorite!

Great story... I was expecting a manifesto on barefoot running but was pleasantly surprised by this incredible take. Must read

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