Running Up the Mountain: Northern Arizona Altitude, Lumberjack Attitude, and the Building of a Distance Dynasty

“An inspirational and intimate story well told.”–Pete Pfitzinger, two-time Olympian“NAU and Flagstaff represent our sport at its best.”–Meb Keflezighi, 2014 Boston Marathon winner In a remote Arizona mountain town more than half a century ago, a collegiate dynasty was born. Northern Arizona University learned about excellence in the altitude mecca of Flagstaff, a training ground for generations of legendary runners. But this school with no traditional powerhouse credentials fought to build momentum and a culture of success over decades before finally exploding to become the country’s preeminent distance-running team. Authored by three-time cross country All-American Matt Baxter and Hall of Fame coach Ron Mann, the book authentically captures NAU’s humble origins and growing pains, culminating in an insider’s perspective that will delight running fans.Running Up the Mountain is a moving portrait of an elite squad with colorful characters fighting to reach the summit of their sport amid the pressure of intense rivalries and the jarring impact of COVID-19. From quaint beginnings to national champs, grit and commitment endure as defining features . . . when you’re running with the Lumberjacks.