This original social-science text approaches marathon running as an everyday practice and a designed event, to draw upon, and contribute to the literature on practice theory, urban events, rhythmanalysis and mobility. It bridges sport studies and discussions within sociology and geography about practice, movement and the city.

Jonas Larsen is an internationally recognised professor of mobility and urban studies at Roskilde University, Denmark. He has published extensively about tourist photography, tourism, cycling, running and mobility more broadly.

1. Introduction 2. Theorizing running: Corporeal mobile practices and mobile places 3. Running methods: Lively ethnographies and energising the rhythm analyst 4. Innovating new aspirations: The birth of ordinary marathon practices and extraordinary marathons 5. Materialities of marathon running: Designing practices and places 6. Preparatory rhythms: Everyday running and training grounds 7. Dramatic race rhythms 8. Atmospheric sensations and places 9. Conclusion