Christopher McDougall

Born to Run

1. IDEA 1

   A hidden tribe runs great distances

   McDougall tells the story of the Tarahumara, or Rarámuri, people of Mexico's Copper Canyons, known for running very long distances. He set out to learn how they did it. Their way of life became the heart of his story.

2. IDEA 2

   A mysterious runner guided him

   McDougall describes Caballo Blanco, an American who lived among the Tarahumara and organised a race with them. He became a central figure in the story. His quiet manner and deep knowledge of the canyons gave the story its mystery.

3. IDEA 3

   A race brought runners together

   McDougall describes a race in the Copper Canyons between Tarahumara runners and top American ultrarunners such as Scott Jurek. It forms the book's climax. The event gathered very different running traditions in one remote place.

All 8 ideas from Born to Run →