7 New Trail Running Books Reshaping the Sport in 2025

The methods Doug Mayer developed while living in Chamonix and running its trails offer you an insider’s guide that goes beyond typical trail books. You get detailed insights on 30 distinct routes around Mont Blanc, with practical info on distance, elevation, and difficulty, plus local tips from professional runners and outdoor leaders. For example, chapters include bailout options and side trail suggestions to customize your experience. This book suits anyone eager to explore one of the world’s premier trail running regions, whether you’re tackling moderate runs or pushing to strenuous distances.

Drawing from a deep appreciation for nature and movement, Samson Ohda explores how trail running serves as a form of therapy that extends beyond physical fitness. You’ll discover how this activity fosters mental clarity, emotional healing, and community connection, with chapters that highlight scientific findings alongside inspiring personal stories. For example, Ohda examines how diverse cultures embrace trail running to find balance and well-being, underscoring its universal appeal. This book suits anyone curious about the holistic benefits of outdoor exercise, especially those seeking mental and emotional respite in nature. It doesn’t promise quick fixes but offers thoughtful insights into the enduring impact of trail running.

This tailored book explores the latest developments in trail running as of 2025, focusing on cutting-edge techniques and training that match your unique background and goals. It delves into emerging discoveries and evolving approaches, revealing how new insights can enhance your trail running journey. By personalizing content to your specific interests, it ensures a deep, relevant exploration of the sport's most recent advancements. You’ll engage with contemporary training methods, technical skills, and mental approaches that reflect the dynamic evolution of trail running today, all tailored to help you stay ahead and grow efficiently in your own way.

Rock Sabastian challenges the conventional wisdom that trail running is only for seasoned athletes by crafting a guide that welcomes newcomers with open arms. You’ll learn how to transition from road running to trails safely, develop mental resilience, and master the essentials of endurance nutrition and equipment selection. Chapters delve into adapting to unpredictable weather, injury prevention, and the transformative mindset needed for ultramarathons. This book is best suited for anyone ready to push personal boundaries and embrace the wild terrain, whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your trail running journey.

Ben Kimball's experience as a dedicated runner and outdoor photographer in New England shapes this detailed guide to southern Vermont's trail-running landscape. You gain access to a variety of routes, from well-known long-distance paths like the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail segments to secluded loops ideal for spontaneous adventures. Each route includes practical details such as distance, difficulty, ascent, and terrain, plus smartphone-accessible maps, making planning straightforward. Whether you're tackling Killington Peak’s elevations or exploring valley trails, this book equips you with specific knowledge to navigate and appreciate Vermont’s diverse settings. If you seek a resource focused on place-based trail running that blends local expertise with clear navigation aids, this book fits well—though it’s less about training methods and more about exploration.

Malcolm Rouge's firsthand experience with trail running shines through in this guide crafted for those stepping off the pavement for the first time. You learn how to select the right gear tailored to your trail ambitions, from comfortable shoes to essential safety equipment, along with training plans that scale sensibly from 5K to 50K races. The book also drills into terrain-specific skills like navigating stream crossings and tackling hills, which are often overlooked but critical for off-road success. If you're ready to leave behind the monotony of road runs and explore nature's varied landscapes with confidence, this book lays out a clear, approachable path for you.

This tailored book explores forward-thinking approaches to trail running, focusing on emerging developments and discoveries shaping the sport in 2025. It covers the latest training techniques, recovery methods, and performance insights tailored to your specific interests and background. By concentrating on your goals, this personalized guide reveals innovative tactics to keep you ahead of new research and trends. It examines how advancements in endurance, nutrition, and mental strategies can be applied uniquely for your trail running journey. Engaging with this book offers a focused learning experience that matches your knowledge level and helps you future-proof your training with cutting-edge information.

What if everything you knew about endurance running was wrong? Sarah Russell argues that ultrarunning isn't reserved for elite athletes but accessible to anyone willing to embrace the trail. You learn how to build physical stamina alongside mental resilience, with detailed advice on nutrition, gear selection, and adapting to unpredictable outdoor conditions. Chapters like "Fueling Your Body for Endurance" and "Overcoming Mental Barriers" offer concrete strategies to tackle ultramarathon distances. If you’re ready to transition from road running or just starting out, this book walks you through practical steps without overwhelming jargon.

Fred Richardson challenges the conventional wisdom that trail running is solely a physical challenge by weaving mindfulness into the sport's core. Drawing from decades as both a coach and ultra-runner, he offers a clear blueprint that combines essential trail running techniques with mental resilience strategies. You'll find practical guidance on navigating diverse terrains alongside chapters dedicated to cultivating presence and focus during runs. This book suits anyone wanting more than just stamina—it's perfect if you seek a deeper connection to your running and the natural world around you, whether you're transitioning from road running or aiming to elevate your trail experience.