Best Running Books to Motivate You to Run

July 30, 2026 | 5 min. read By Brooks Staff

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just dipping your toe into the world of running, getting the right running gear is crucial. Aside from having the right shoes, clothes and hat, another helpful piece of kit could be the books you own.

Strangely, having the right running books on your bookshelf can be the key to running better. Whether it’s a gripping story about how running has changed lives or a more theoretical approach to the sport, these page-turners are equal parts inspiring as they are helpful.

Daniels’ Running Formula – Jack Daniels

One of the more famous running coaches, Jack Daniels (not that one) coached Olympic athletes through his career. Daniels’ Running Formula covers his tried and tested training method, going in depth on his legendary VDOT formula – which calculates your current fitness based on running velocity, oxygen cost and race duration to create personalised training paces. These calculated paces (easy, threshold, interval, repetition) are then used to build your training plan to improve your fitness, speed and endurance.

Daniels’ Running Formula has been touted by runners as being one of the best training resources, constantly pushing both new and established runners. With such an intense (and successful) training plan, it’s no wonder that Daniels was a revered running coach for Olympians.

Running with Purpose – Jim Weber

Penned by Brooks’ former CEO, Jim Weber, Running with Purpose is evenly split between a business book, a memoir and inspiration for runners. Known amongst runners, the Brooks story is itself an inspirational tale of how Brooks Running went up against “Goliath” competitors to be a forerunner in the running shoes space.

Through sharing his own lived experiences – both personally and professionally – Running with Purpose is Weber’s way of inspiring readers to go the extra mile, whether that’s in the office or on the track.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami, of Kafka on the Shore fame, delves deep into his own interest and love for long-distance running in this memoir. Starting his running journey in the early 1980s, the Japanese author has since completed over 20 marathons and ultramarathons, with What I Talk About When I Talk About Running going into detail about his training for the New York City Marathon.

Murakami writes about his experiences running from Athens to Marathon, completing an ultramarathon in Hokkaido and his time competing in a triathlon in Niigata Prefecture. Reviews highlight the ease of reading, with a focus on the personal aspects of running rather than the technical advice that some running books cover, making it a firm favourite of many runners.

Once a Runner – John L. Parker Jr.

This novel, while fiction, has encouraged many runners to lace up their shoes and run. Following the story of a collegiate mid-distance runner who specialises in running a mile, Once a Runner covers everything required of competitive running until it takes over the world of the protagonist.

Known as a cult classic amongst runners, this is an inspirational read that can (and will) give you the motivation needed to keep going – even when you feel tired of the repetition.

Born to Run – Christopher McDougall

Touted as one of the books that completely altered the course of the running world, Born to Run follows McDougall as he journeyed to meet the Tarahumara people of Mexico’s Copper Canyons. The indigenous group are famous for long-distance running, which is what inspired readers to take a more minimalist approach to marathon running, including barefoot running.

A perfect blend of adventure and scientific deep-dive, this book keeps readers gripped, giving the perfect dose of motivation to run further.

Which Running Book Should You Read?

This is a question only you can answer, and it depends on what you want out of your reading. Do you want fiction that grips you and helps you understand the struggles that come with running? Then Once a Runner could be best for you. If you’re looking for how to improve your training techniques, then Daniels’ Running Formula could be the key to unlocking better runs.

Whichever book you choose from our list, there is no doubt that it can only help you become a better, more dedicated runner.