This is a list of Track and Field and Running related books. The list includes print and out-of-print books, and mostly English-language books.
Although there are a few exceptions, the list does not contain meet programs, periodicals, monographs, magazines or other types of media, such as films and videos. I also tried to exclude second printings, printings in which the title was changed and/or editions in which were subsequently published in softcover.
I originally tried to focus only on biographies, but decided to include other topics. The one subject matter I tried to keep out were the "Where to run in..." books.
I will be adding a section for the Runner's World Monthly Booklets that were published in the late 60's to mid-70's. (I am just trying to complete the list.)
Biographies: These are the real gems of 'athletic' books. Most are out-of-print and many good ones were published overseas (England, Australia and New Zealand) starting around the 1950's. For anyone starting a collection this would be a great reference point. I've tried to include as many biographies as possible, and there might be listings with sparse information. I have also decided to include bios written for the children book genre. Many T&F athletes have biographies only in this genre. I plan on separating them out at a later date.
For those that are interested in more in-depth knowledge of running/T&F books, two excellent reference books are Running: A Guide to the Literature, and The Guide to British Track and Field Literature. Although they are both quite outdated, written in 1983 and 1969 respectively. Click on them to get more information.
I'll be happy to correspond with anyone on the topic of running/t&f books. Contact me at runbooks@aol.com.
Enjoy!
The list can be sorted in a few ways; by author, by title and biographies (by title) only. If you find books I left out (which I am sure there are many), please e-mail me and I will be glad to include them.
Click on the links in the following table to get to the section of the list you would like to view:
| Ordered by Title | Ordered by Author |
For the list of biographies listed by title, click here.
Here some other running related sites that either sell books, review books or is a good reference site. Naturally, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com also sell many T&F/running books also.
Runner's World - A great site, it is updated daily with news on running. It also choose the Runbooks site as 'Link of the Day' on 9/29/99.
Track & Field News - If you are a track & field fan this is the site for you! Also publishes and sells a fair amount of books.
Running Past - A great site if you are into running/track & field memorabilia. Sells some very unique items.
Steven's Creek - Sells software and books.
Butler University - This is where the 'official' (USATF) Track and Field library is maintained. One can download their list. A very good site for reference purposes, very extensive.
Syracuse Library - The Syracuse University Library has a special collection of running related material. It is also a good site for reference purposes.
Use the PICO search feature below to search through this site if you are looking for a specific author or book. Enter a keyword (e.g., johnson) and press 'Search'. Use can your browser's Find function once you have navigated to the desired page.
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