54 pages • 1 hour read
Christopher McDougallBorn to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
16-70yearsLexile Level
1040L