Finding a gift for the runner in your life can be a challenge – but a good book is always a great option! They’re inexpensive gifts, easy to buy, and offer great advice and tips. As a coach and fellow runner, I’ve rounded up some of the best running books to inspire, educate, and motivate your favorite runner. Whether they’re training for their first 5K or are a seasoned ultra marathoner, they’ll be sure to love one of these picks this holiday season.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
1. Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
Got a runner in your life that’s about to train for their first marathon? This is a perfect gift option! This book is written by Hal Higdon, one of the most well-known authorities on running. The book covers everything someone would want to know about marathon running – how to start, setting training goals, proper training progressions, speedwork, troubleshooting common issues, diet, and more! It also includes 5 training plans from novice to advanced.
Note: You may notice the linked version looks slightly different; it’s just the newest edition!
Buy it here: Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide.
2. Think Like a Runner
Jeff Horowitz, world renowned running coach, wrote this book that’s all about staying motivated to run and tips for doing so successfully. It covers topics like setting running goals, dealing with the seasons, why you should cross train, and tips for racing. Runners at every level will appreciate this read!
Buy it here: Think Like a Runner.
3. Rise & Run
Proper nutrition is key to fueling a runner, and this book is all about morning meals to start the day right! The book is written by Shalane Flanagan, professional runner, and Elyse Kopecky, nutrition coach and chef. You’ll find more than 100 breakfast recipes, recovery drinks, and snacks.
My personal favorites are the superhero muffins and the crispy rice peanut butter bars – yum! The book also features a 14-week marathon training plan.
Buy it here: Rise & Run.
4. How to Run the Perfect Race: Better Racing Through Better Pacing
Matt Fitzgerald has written many books in the running space, and I think this may be one of my favorites. Pacing is such a tough concept for many runners to master, whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been racing for years. This book really homes in on this specific topic, including the science behind pacing, why it’s so tough for us, and strategies for training and competition.
It also has 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon training plans that use pacing based on RPE (rate of perceived exertion) – no fancy equipment needed.
Buy it here: How to Run the Perfect Race: Better Racing Through Better Pacing.
5. Running Your First Ultra
Krissy Moehl does a fantastic job making ultra training accessible and simple to understand in this book. It is always my go-to gift recommendation for a runner that is looking to possibly do their first ultra.
It has training tips along with 50K, 50 mile, and 100 mile training plans. The book is also designed as a training journal so the runner can keep track of their training week-by-week alongside the plan.
But it here: Running Your First Ultra.
6. Run Well: Essential Health Questions and Answers for Runners
This Q&A style book written by a doctor is a quick read that covers tons of health topics for runners – think “Can running make my period stop?” to “Is it OK to run with a cold?”. If the runner in your life is interested in health and wellness, this will be a great fit (and something different than the traditional training focused books).
Buy it here: Run Well.
7. Runner’s World Run Less, Run Faster
The premise of this book is to train on just three runs per week – a somewhat unique concept that works for some runners and doesn’t for other runners. The book covers training plans for 5K, half marathon, and marathon, and includes pacing charts to help guide fundamental workouts. It also covers cross training, injury prevention, mobility, and more. A nice book option for a time-crunched runner!
Note: Linked version will look a bit different as it is the newest edition.
Buy it here: Run Less, Run Faster.
8. Science of Running
If you know someone that likes to nerd out on concepts like anatomy, energy systems, and gait – this is the book to buy. It’s a great read with lots of visuals to help drive home the concepts. Perfect for a runner that wants to delve into the science to figure out how to help themselves run better.
The book also covers key strength exercises specific to runners, detailing why and how to do them, which is very valuable. There are also training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon at the end of the book.
Buy it here: Science of Running.
There you have it! If you need more ideas for running gifts, be sure to check out my list of stocking stuffers for runners or this list of running gifts for women.
Share: Which of these books will you be grabbing for gifts this year?
Please pin this post to share with others!
- Savory Sweetpotato Ricotta Breakfast Bowls - June 16, 2025
- Peanut Butter Honey Cheerios Bars - June 13, 2025
- Healthy Peach Blueberry Crisp - June 13, 2025
Leave a Reply