Christopher McDougall’s Book Born to Run, among the many other book releases – is simply a testament to the human emotions and the limitations of  the human ability. Born to Run at times transforms itself into a running book, a science book, and a downright engrossing story, the book succeeds in all the purest way by explaining how and why human beings were literally “born to run.”

The story begins with McDougall searching for a phantom figure in Mexico’s Copper Canyons. To find him he must traverse dangerous canyon roads, drug traffickers, and hike treacherous mountain trails. The figure, the mystical Caballo Blanco, is going to release the secrets of the Tarahumara, a culture of Indians hidden deep in the canyons whose only passion is to run. Reluctant at first, the reclusive Caballo finally agrees to set up a meeting with the people of the mountains. What he discovers in a group of silent, stoic people whose only desire is to be left alone. With this discovery, McDougall can uncover the passion for ultra-running, a way of foot racing which exceeds distances of fifty miles and often takes place on mountain trails or in extreme heat or cold conditions.

In the course of his yarn, the author introduces the reader to a colorful cast of individuals that come together in the ultimate race in Mexico. These include two hot-shot college kids, an advocate for barefoot running, and the current king of ultra-running, and a group of Tarahumara Indians. With the help of Caballo Blanco and several others along the way, Christopher McDougall is able to compete in the final climatic race, which he sets up as one of the greatest sports stories ever written.

McDougall’s story-telling and structure is excellent and his departure midway through the story to explain the psychological and physiological aspects of the sport only lend a more complete view to the adventures he has presented and the exciting grand finale to the story. He uses humor, drama, and an excellent sense of character to paint a picture of competitive running turned on its head.