when was running invented
Hey there! Have you ever wondered when was running invented? It’s a funny question that pops up a lot. Some folks think it’s new, but it’s really old. Let’s chat about it like friends over a snack. I’ll tell you the real story, with fun bits and tips. You’ll learn how running started and why it’s great for you now.
Key Takeaways
- Running didn’t start with one guy; it grew from old people chasing food a long time ago.
- A silly joke says 1748, but truth is 2-3 million years back when humans got good at it.
- First big race was in 776 BCE in Greece, just a short sprint.
- In 2025, more people run for fun and friends, with cool new shoes.
- Running makes you healthy and happy – give it a try!
What Is Running?
Running is when you move fast on your feet. Both feet leave the ground at once. It’s quicker than walking.
Running vs Walking
Walking keeps one foot on the ground always. Running lifts both up. Think of it like hopping fast. Walking is slow and easy. Running makes your heart beat quick. Kids run to play, adults walk to shop.
Why Humans Run
We run because our bodies are made for it. Long ago, people ran to catch animals for food. This is called persistence hunting. You chase until the animal gets tired. Humans can sweat to stay cool, animals can’t. Dan Lieberman from Harvard says we have special parts like big butt muscles and short toes for running. Picture chasing a deer all day – you win because you don’t overheat.
A study shows running helped humans live better. It changed our bones and muscles over time. Without running, we might not be here today.
Running in Old Times
Running started way back with early people. It wasn’t for fun at first. It was to stay alive.
Start of Human Running
About 2 to 3 million years ago, our old family like Australopithecus stood up on two legs. They walked first, then ran. Bodies changed: longer legs, better balance. Imagine a monkey turning into a runner step by step. Fossils show big changes in feet and hips for running. This helped hunt and escape danger. Running made humans strong and smart.
Experts say we ran for food in hot places. Sweat glands kept us going. Other animals stop when hot, but we keep chasing.
First Races in History
By 3100 BCE, Egyptians had running in festivals. The pharaoh ran to show he’s strong. It was like a test. In Ireland, 1829 BCE, Tailteann Games had races to honor a goddess. People ran short bits with jumps. Egyptians ran for kings, Greeks made it a game. Both used running to celebrate.
Think of a king running laps in fancy clothes. If he couldn’t finish, maybe new king! That’s how serious it was.
Running as Sport Begins
Running turned into games people watch. It got rules and winners.
Old Olympic Games
In 776 BCE, Greece started Olympics. First event? A 200-yard run called stadion. Men ran naked! Winners got olive leaves. Women had their own games called Heraean. They ran with hair down and short tops. Races were for young girls too. It was fair for all ages.
The games grew. More sports added, but running stayed big. People came from far to see.
One myth: Atalanta ran so fast, no man beat her until tricks with apples.
Birth of Marathon
In 490 BCE, Pheidippides ran 25 miles from Marathon to Athens. He said “We won!” then died. That’s why marathon race started. In 1896, modern Olympics had first marathon, 25 miles long. By 1908, it became 26.2 miles for a queen to watch start.
Picture a tired guy running all day to share good news. Now, millions run marathons for fun.
Modern Running Story
Running changed from need to hobby. More people do it now.
Jogging Boom in 1960s
In 1960s, Bill Bowerman wrote a book called Jogging. He saw it in New Zealand and brought ideas home. People started running for health. In 1970s, studies showed it helps heart and cuts sick days. Frank Shorter won Olympic marathon in 1972, made running cool in USA.
Before, only athletes ran. Now, everyone jogs in parks. It cut heart problems by 30%. Women joined Boston Marathon in 1972.
Running Today in 2025
This year, running is huge. Gen Z leads with social run clubs. More marathons and short trail races. People run for friends, not just wins. Super shoes like Puma’s make you faster. No shower between runs is a trend – save time!
Women want gear just for them. Running goes extreme: faster sprints and longer trails. Sneakers look old-school or techy. 42% set personal bests, says data. It’s social and fun.
Fun Myths and Facts
Running has silly stories and true wow bits.
The Thomas Running Joke
Online joke: Thomas Running invented it in 1748 by walking twice fast. Not real! It’s a meme to laugh. Like saying who made walking? Compare to real history no one person did it.
People share it for fun, but truth is older.
Cool Running Facts List
- Usain Bolt ran 27.8 mph – faster than a car in town!
- First women in Olympics marathon: 1984.
- Humans beat horses in long runs because we sweat.
- Eliud Kipchoge ran marathon under 2 hours in test.
- Running adds years to life, Mayo Clinic says.
- Oldest marathon runner was over 100!
Why Run? Perks and Tips
Running is good for body and mind. Let’s see why.
Health Wins from Running
It makes heart strong, cuts stress. Bones get tough, mood lifts. Stat: Lowers death risk by 30%. Eliud runs daily for peace. Imagine feeling happy after a jog that’s endorphins!
Better sleep, less sick. Brain works sharper too.
Tips for New Runners
Start with walk-run: 1 minute run, 2 walk. Pick comfy shoes – Nike soft, Adidas firm. Stretch after to stop hurts. Drink water, eat fruit. If shins ache, rest and ice. Compare trails vs roads: trails fun, roads fast.
Run with a pal for joy. Build slow to avoid quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented running?
No single person invented running. It started about 2-3 million years ago with early humans. They ran to hunt food and escape danger. Our bodies changed over time to make running easy, like short toes and sweat to cool down. Today, it’s a natural thing we all can do.
When did running become a sport?
Running as a sport kicked off in 776 BCE at the first Olympic Games in Greece. It was a short 200-yard race called the stadion. Men competed first, and winners got olive crowns. Women had their own races later. This made running fun and competitive for crowds.
Is the Thomas Running story real?
No, the Thomas Running tale is just a joke from the internet. It says he invented running in 1748 by trying to walk twice fast. But running is way older, from human evolution. People share the meme for laughs, but history shows no such Thomas existed.
When was jogging invented?
Jogging as easy exercise boomed in the 1960s. Bill Bowerman wrote a book after seeing it in New Zealand. It made running popular for health, not just pros. By 1970s, millions jogged to stay fit and cut heart risks. It’s like slow running for everyone.
What is persistence hunting?
Persistence hunting is how old humans caught animals by running them tired. They’d chase for hours until the prey overheated and stopped. Humans sweat to stay cool, unlike most animals. This way helped get food without tools. It’s why we’re good at long runs today.
How far did Pheidippides run?
Pheidippides ran about 25 miles from Marathon to Athens in 490 BCE. He brought news of a Greek win over Persians. The story inspired the marathon race. Modern ones are 26.2 miles now. He might have run more earlier, like to Sparta.
Final Thoughts
Running has a long story from hunts to fun races. It’s part of us. Lace up and try a short jog this week – feel the joy! You’ll be healthier and happier.
