Run: Races and Trails Around the World Hardcover – 6 April 2023

worth having this book to look at as there are a lot of great photos and info on most iconic races

The media could not be loaded. This is a stonking travelogue of a book, listing some iconic runs and trails, and others that only those 'in the know' would have heard of.Some of the runs are indeed real marathons, others are endurance tests for the serious runner and others are more picturesque jogs.Images from the London, New York and Boston marathons along with maps of their routes are great - even if you're not intending to run them yourself you could follow all or some of the route on a walk through those cities. I was surprised to find how much of some of these routes I have already travelled - London, New York, Munich. Some I would never get anywhere near - Marathon des Sables anyone?This book is a glorious coffee-table book with beautiful pictures of sometimes breathtaking scenery that also gives serious information about distance, altitude, tips and entry details for particular runs and races.At £20 (as at 28 May 2023) I think this is a well priced book that travellers and athletes alike would treasure. Would recommend.

This is a specialist, hard-backed DK book focussed on trails and marathon runs across the world.Beautifully illustrated, nicely presented and fabulous quality as you may expect, this has maps, elevation details, registration outlines (if racing ) and other valuable information such as kit and what to expect generally. I have heard of a number of these races including Man v Horse which also briefly details its history. Refuelling and pushing yourself still further in doing ultra distances are also variously discussed. As indeed, are short runs such as the fun-sounding Kangaroo Island Parkrun (5 km) which takes place on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. I would not mind participating in this one at all!I am a runner but also a hiker and some of the distances described here would make this most do-able when travelling. However, I am disappointed by what is offered around in London - it is a choice of either Bushy Park or the London Marathon. Clearly this book is far ranging and not fully comprehensive.I do take issue with the synopsis on the reverse of the book: ‘Take a loop around stunning Lake Bled….’, this states. I have done this loop and it is beautiful. However, Lake Bled is not in the index and it is only referred to when discussing Lake Bohinj Loop, Slovenia (p. 128).Nonetheless, this informative book is as varied as it is interesting: what a unique offering for an athlete.

I'm not a runner but I am a keen hiker and do like to travel, knowing DK books, I was really curious. This book has interested me far more than I expected it to.The layout is clever - in the inside cover is a large global map showing the locations of the events, then the trails/races are in regional sections (europe, Asia, America.ect). Each section clearly shows the page of the particular trail run.A lot of these runs are well established marathons or races in their respected country, which was a little disappointing for me as I was hoping for more trail runs which I would be able to walk instead, but considering the theme of the book, it's not unexpected.Despite this, I still found the information interesting, because there are full-colour pictures of the locations, so it feels like a travel book too.There are some good tips, such as some of the runs having shorter options or relay-runs, so if you take part in the event you know how long to expect.There are safety guides and equipment suggestions (mostly things experienced runners would know) but a good thorough guide.I was particularly interested in the 2 Japan options (not featured but I've been in Japan during the Kyoto marathon run) and South Korea.Personally I would have preferred more trail runs as these aren't restricted to specific times (although the routes of the organised events can still be done whenever) but I can really see how this would appeal to runners and marathon participants.

I have been a big fan of Dorling Kindersley books for many years. The use of space and white backgrounds give them a unique style. This new book called 'RUN' is a fascinating look at running events around the world producing a sort of bucket list for runners. The book gives the history of each event (where appropriate), shows the route and distance, sights you will see along the way and even tips on the conditions or food to eat locally!I really like the hardback version with it's 'embedded' title and lay flat binding. A superb coffee table book.Even if you are not a runner there is still lots to take away from this book as a travel guide to these places around the world. I love it and would be happy to recommend it to you.

Great book if you want to do various distances from 5k, 1/2 to full.It’s not what I thought it will be. Many a park runs/ 5Ks included. The lovely midnight marathon ( Tromzo) and Vancouver could have been presented better. Not a book if you are choosing a book to guide you with marathons around the world. What about the Leh Ladakh marathon in the Himalayas at 11,000 feet?

This is a gorgeous coffee table book. It contains information on a selection of locations and events that will interest runners. Some are famous and some are less well known. I think this is a book to inspire runners but it’s not particularly detailed so you will need to go online to look for further information.

This is a really good quality coffee table reference book.It starts with some essential tips re preparing for a run and then it is split into sections to make it easier to navigate.Each run gives a diagram of the run, elevation and distance along with a brief description of the run.The runs vary considerably in distance from a couple of miles or so to over 150 so whatever type of runner you are there will be something to interest you.