Name: Running Up That Hill
ISBN: 9781472947963

Vassos Alexander

This is a celebration of endurance running. Of running ridiculous distances--and the astonishing highs that it provides.

The Highs and Lows of Going that Bit Further

Running Up That Hill

Running Up That Hill is a celebration of endurance running. Of running ridiculous distances – through cities, over mountains and across countries. Distances most people couldn't even imagine. But sports presenter Vassos Alexander is hooked! Why else would he run an ultra in Paris, backwards, having missed the start? Why head to Wales for the world's hardest mountain race with a badly sprained ankle? And why follow in some unforgiving, ancient footsteps and attempt the oldest and toughest footrace on earth, the 153-mile Spartathlon? There's joy to be found here. Really there is. Vassos recalls his own assaults on these gruelling races, along with ultra-running legends including Scott Jurek, Jasmin Paris, Kilian Jornet, Mimi Anderson and Dean Karnazes. They all testify to the transformative power of endurance running. It's about the astonishing highs that come from pushing your body to the limit. The confidence and peace when you challenge yourself and succeed. All told, this is a cracking tale of what keeps ultra-distance runners running, mile after mile after mile.

The highs and lows of going that bit further

Steph Gram

This is the second book I’ve read by Vassos Alexander. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ being the first and a celebration of running. ‘Running Up That Hill’ follows a similar format in that the main focus is a celebration of running in general and in the case of this book, a celebration of endurance running. 

Did I listen to this book while running? Absolutely. And I enjoyed every minute of it. 

It is quite a light hearted and easy to read (and listen) type of book. Vassos Alexander writes in a comforting manner that draws a reader in. In this book he talks about his highs and lows at attempting and finishing some amazing feats of endurance. All the while his tone doesn’t come across as gloating. After all he is the runner (that we all fear to be) and has turned up to multiple races without something important. In this case it was without his charging cable for his watch. The book details the amazing places he has run, the history behind these places and the interesting and famous runners that he has met along the way. 

This is a fun read for any runner; someone starting out or someone who has been running for years because at some point Vassos Alexander proves that he’s much like the rest of us and while times, distances, food and personal achievements are important, the welcoming community of runners and people we meet along the way are even more so. 

Be warned it does make you want to search for a trail to run on or book that race you’ve been thinking of. 


Running Up That Hill The Highs and Lows of Going that Bit Further

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