Dirtbag Dreams

A History of Mountain, Ultra and Trail Running

Carl Morris

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Hardback

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English

Manchester University Press
11 November 2025

20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; 21st century history: from c 2000 -; Social & cultural history; Marathon & cross-country 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.

By: Carl Morris
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 764g
ISBN: 9781526190185
ISBN 10: 1526190184
Pages: 312
Publication Date: 11 November 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: the making of a modern sport Part I: Fragmented origins 1 An age of spectacle 2 The mountains are calling 3 Marathon mania 4 Hard times 5 Trailblazing Part II: Running as recreation 6 A nation of athletes 7 Gold rush 8 Countercultural misfits 9 Old dogs, new tricks 10 ‘Dude, you’re all crazy’ Epilogue: full circle Index -- .

Carl Morris is a sociologist, historian and social psychologist at the University of Lancashire. He has spent much of his life climbing and moving through the mountains, and over the last decade has become a committed fell and ultra runner.

Reviews for Dirtbag Dreams: A History of Mountain, Ultra and Trail Running

‘A fascinating book, filled with brilliantly selected stories, that makes an important contribution to our understanding of the development of mountain, ultra and trail running.’ Michael Crawley, author of To the Limit -- .