Manchester University Press  Dirtbag Dreams

From the publisher:
Dirtbag Dreams explores the rise of mountain, ultra and trail running from niche pastime to mainstream sport. Tracing 200 years of history, Carl Morris uncovers eccentric origins, iconic races and vibrant personalities. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the culture, evolution and endurance of this unique sport. The first book to share the untold story of this unique sport, from its origins in the Victorian era to the present day.

Over the past two decades, mountain, ultra and trail running has experienced a massive boom in participation, media attention and corporate consumerism. Once little more than an oddball recreation for mountain athletics romantics, the sport has become a mass activity in ways that were previously unimaginable. In Dirtbag Dreams, Carl Morris offers the first complete account of mountain, ultra and trail running in North America and Britain.

Revealing the sport's eccentric Victorian origins, he traces its development through 200 years of history, traveling from the Sierra Nevada and the English Lake District to the streets of London and New York. Packed with gripping races and colorful characters, Dirtbag Dreams is the essential companion for anyone who wants to understand this unique endurance sport.