Why do we run?
Why do fell- and trail-runners head into the toughest of landscapes on journeys of adventure, endurance, technical challenge and self-discovery?
In this visual celebration of two iconic mountain sports, photographer Danielle Ledbury talks with 28 athletes, from trailblazers like Joss Naylor and Steve Birkinshaw to those taking their first strides into the Cumbrian hills.
Their answers – often surprising, sometimes challenging, always candid – cover community, love, addiction, bereavement, passion, solitude, trauma, joy... and an abiding love of the Lake District.
Details
- ISBN: 978-1-915513-04-5
- PAGES: 176+4 cover (180 total)
- SIZE: 245mm x 175mm (portrait)
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FORMAT: Softback
- ISBN: 9 781915 513045
Reviews
"This compelling and beautiful book is as much a pictorial homage to the Lake District as it is a collection of powerful and engaging personal running narratives. The sumptuous photographs by Danielle Ledbury greatly enhance the accompanying tales, portraying each of her subjects in action or contemplation in their favourite domain, often dwarfed by the spectacular landscape that envelopes them. The 28 chapters tell the background of runners in different contexts, all of whom have made the Lakes their running home. Many of the accounts discuss overcoming trauma, social disadvantage, abuse or illness and finding salvation in running... These many poignant accounts of a passion for running integrated with a powerful bonding to the landscape gave me great pleasure, and I'm sure many runners will find much to inspire them in this excellent book." Jeff Adams - Fellrunner maagazine
"This eye-opening celebration of trail and fell running from photographer Danielle explores why runners are moved to follow trailblazers like Joss Naylor and Steve Birkinshaw - who both feature alongside a diverse list of contributors. Falling in love with fell landscapes is often a key part of these fascinating accounts, but so are personal trials including illness and grief. The practicalities of endurance running are also highlighted, from tips on stamina to route-planning and community building. Stunning photography throughout shows many fellside scenes, offering a glimpse of what these runners thrive on. Expert maps trace notable routes from the Bob Graham Round to the Fairfield and Langdale Horseshoes." Cumbria Life, October 2023
“Why we Run is a book featuring stories from all sorts of runners; some that you will recognise, and some that you won't, accompanied by beautiful photographs. It is a treat to the senses, with the athletes' stories, plus pictures, plus maps. It's everything, and even if you have an intimate knowledge of the Lake District, you will still learn something from the book. If I had to pick a favourite chapter, it would be Katie Milburn, whose partner died during a fell race and and then she found a list of the races that he wanted to do, and she set about doing them herself. I loved her story, And I loved the photos of her that capture her on this incredible winter's day, where she looks so tough. There are lots of vignettes like that – stories of people who have have found themselves on the fells… I absolutely loved this book.” Edwina Sutton - Tea & Trails podcast