These Running Stories Will Inspire You

The exploits of running’s greatest figures-a new marathon world record from Eliud Kipchoge, for example, or an earth-shattering Boston Marathon win for Desiree Linden-wow runners with regularity.

But here’s the thing-we expect it from them, because that’s what they’re paid to do. Everyday runners? They face the same emotional ups and downs in nearly every race. Some may take longer to finish, or run their miles in honor of someone else, but each mile ticked off is just as important. Runners persevere, and there’s something unique about a story that can make any runner say, “If they can soldier on, if they can act so courageously, there’s no reason I can’t either.”

Here are 12 of the most wonderful, awe-inspiring, heartwarming, and motivating stories Runner’s World published this year. Enjoy every word, and then lace up and get out there.

[Want to start running? The Big Book of Running for Beginners will take you through everything you need to know to get started, step by step]