Dirtbag Dreams - A history of mountain, ultra and trail running

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, travelling from the Sierra Nevada and the English Lake District to the streets of London and New York. Packed with gripping races and colourful characters, Dirtbag dreams is the essential companion for anyone who wants to understand this unique endurance sport. -- .

About the author

Carl Morris has spent much of his life climbing and moving through the mountains. Over the last decade he has become a committed fell and ultra runner, with a particular interest in 100-mile and multiday mountain racing. He is a sociologist, historian and social psychologist at the University of Lancashire.

Product details

• Authors: Carl Morris, Morris Carl
• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 11.11.2025
• EAN: 9781526190185
• ISBN: 978-1-5261-9018-5
• No. of pages: 328
• Subjects: Guides > Sport; Humanities, art, music > History > Contemporary history (1945 to 1989); SPORTS & RECREATION / Running & Jogging, HISTORY / Modern / 21st Century, Social & cultural history, 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000, SPORTS & RECREATION / History, 21st century history: from c 2000 -, 20th century, c 1900 to c 1999, 21st century, c 2000 to c 2100, history of sport, Social and cultural history, Marathon & cross-country running, Marathon and cross-country running, HISTORY / Modern / 20th Century / General