As a teenager, Markus Torgeby turned out to be a very talented long-distance runner. It didn't take long before he was discovered by an enthusiastic coach who set very high goals. However, while Markus performed brilliantly in training, during competitions he often failed inexplicably.

The pressure of competition alongside the strain of caring for his MS-suffering mother took its toll, and when an injury put an end to Markus's running career, he lost his foothold in life. At just 20 years old, Markus moved to one of the most isolated and cold regions of northern Sweden. There he lived as a recluse for four years staying in a tent and braving the harsh Scandinavian winters. And he ran. His time alone would prove to be more than an escape and was in fact a search for a direction in life.

The Runner is a unique and powerful book: a portrait of an extraordinary man as well as a fascinating exploration of running and personal wellbeing.