Trent’s love affair with ultrarunning blossomed during adolescence, when he chose to run cross country during school, and continued into adulthood, exploding after his discovery of the 1995 Western States Endurance Run, one of the world’s first 100-mile runs across rugged mountain territory. Just two years after being inspired to run his own Western States, Trent achieved that goal, barely missing his 24-hour completion benchmark (and the coveted “100 miles in one day” silver buckle award). Despite many such setbacks over the years, Trent’s perseverance is inspiring, as is his continued passion for running that he now shares with his family.

Readers will find Trent’s profiles of mentors and fellow runners heartening. He recalls past Western States’ president Tony Rossmann’s well-timed advice to “remember there are no enemies, only adversaries,” and shares how the trail provided familiarity and comfort during a friend’s cancer battle. Trent’s fondness for anecdotal reminiscing, and his almost-lyrical descriptions of the wildlife and natural environments of his marathons, is alluring, although he sacrifices narrative structure for aesthetics at times. Ultimately, Trent aims to help readers understand “who they are and what is important to them,” and even the most unathletic will want to double-knot their shoelaces and hit the trails.

Takeaway: A passionate celebration of ultrarunning.

Great for fans of: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami; Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather “Anish” Anderson.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: NA
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A