Running wasn't invented by any one person - it evolved as a crucial survival mechanism beginning around two million years ago and developed into the organized sport we know today.
And no you may have heard but, it was not a Mr Thomas Running, who started the whole sport.
Running began about two million years ago with early humans who used it to survive.
This article traces its journey from a survival tool to a modern sport many of us know and love today, highlighting key milestones along the way, and answering the question, “when was running invented?”
Key Takeaways
- Running evolved as a crucial survival mechanism for early humans, beginning around two million years ago, driven by anatomical adaptations that enabled endurance running and persistence hunting.
- Running became a formal sport in 776 BC in Ancient Greece, running acquired cultural, ceremonial, and competitive significance, exemplified by events such as the Olympic Games.
- The modern era of running began with the 1896 Olympic Games and was significantly popularized in the 20th century through events like the Boston Marathon and the jogging movement, leading to widespread participation and gender equality in the sport.
The History of Running: Timeline
The Origins of Human Running
The story of running begins millions of years ago with our early human ancestors. Fossil evidence shows that humans started jogging around two million years ago, suggesting the development of running started around this time.
Anatomical changes like the evolution of the longitudinal arch of the foot in Homo habilis were instrumental in facilitating running.
Homo erectus, with their long legs relative to body mass, broader shoulders, narrower waists, and shorter forearms, were well-adapted for running.
The importance of the Achilles tendon, which many runners including myself are very familiar with having perhaps dealt with injury, is vital to us being well equipped runners.
These physical traits helped balance the body and made it possible for early humans to leave their tree-dwelling ancestors behind and compete on the African plains. Running wasn’t just a random development; it shaped human anatomy and was born out of a necessity to survive.
All this was long before we had running as a competitive sport, with shoe brands shaping the sport with the latest shoe technology.
Persistence Hunting
The theory of persistence hunting can help to explain why humans developed the ability to run.
Physical adaptations such as sweat glands allowed early humans to run with better endurance, enabling them to chase prey over long distances.
Early humans utilized their superior endurance to outrun animals like antelopes and horses until the prey was exhausted.
Running as a Survival Mechanism
Running served as more than just a mode of travel for early humans; it was an indispensable survival mechanism.
To escape predators, hunt animals, and move from one place to another, early humans relied heavily on their running abilities.
Running wasn’t always a choice or something to do for fun; it was literally a matter of life and death.
Running in Ancient Civilizations
With the formation of civilizations, running acquired new cultural and religious meanings.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, running was not only a practical activity but also held ceremonial importance.
The ancient Egyptians, for instance, hosted ceremonial races like the heb sed to demonstrate the physical fitness of the pharaoh.
The ancient Tailteann Games in Ireland featured a variety of sports. The events encompassed a wide range of physical activities. These events highlight the importance of running in ancient cultures.
Running in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, running was used as a symbol of the pharaoh’s physical fitness and ability to rule. Running was a significant component of the Sed festival, which celebrated the continuing rule of the pharaoh.
The heb sed festival, in particular, featured a race where only the pharaoh competed, showcasing his fitness to rule.
These ceremonial races were not merely for show but were deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of ancient Egyptian society. They served as a testament to the pharaoh’s strength and vitality, essential qualities for a ruler in ancient times.
Running in Ancient Greece
Running reached new heights in ancient Greece, where it became a formal sport in 776 BCE with the first recorded Olympic Games.
The stadion race, a prestigious event covering a distance of 200 yards, was one of the highlights of these games. Victorious runners gained immense wealth and fame, becoming celebrated figures in Greek society.
Ancient Greek athletes underwent rigorous training programs with specialized trainers, often incorporating exercises with music to enhance rhythm and performance. Running was not just a sport but a significant part of Greek culture and identity.
Still in 2024, the Olympic medal features the Greek goddess of victory Nike.
First Olympic Games
Running was officially born as a sport with the inaugural Olympic Games in 776 BC. These games were held every four years and were open to all Greek males. The foot races included events with distances varying up to three miles.
The Olympic stadium, with a capacity of thousands of spectators, was a testament to the popularity and significance of these running events. The first Olympian athletes trained their entire bodies as warriors, highlighting the connection between athletic prowess and military training.
Certain events in the modern day Olympics such as the Modern Pentathlon keep that connection with Olympians and warriors.
Pheidippides and the Marathon
The legend of Pheidippides is one of the most famous stories in the history of running. Pheidippides ran 25 miles from the battlefields of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC.
He did this to deliver news of victory over the Persians. He collapsed and died immediately after delivering the news, but his legacy lived on.
This legendary run inspired the modern marathon race, first introduced in the 1896 Summer Olympics.
The marathon distance was later standardized to 26.2 miles in 1908, reflecting the distance Pheidippides covered from Marathon to Athens.
The Birth of Modern Running
The roots of modern running can be traced back to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. These games featured 100 meter, 400 meter, and marathon races, marking the beginning of organized running as we know it today.
The notion of the modern marathon was conceived by Michel Bréal in 1894 and was first advocated in 1896.
The Boston Marathon, established in 1897, a year after the first modern Olympics, is the longest-running annual marathon and played a significant role in popularizing the modern marathon. The marathon distance was standardized to 26.2 miles in 1908.
The current world record for the marathon is now an incredible 2:00:35.
The First Modern Olympic Games
Held in Athens in 1896, the first modern Olympic Games aimed to restore the glory of the ancient Olympic games. The first recorded marathon during these games was roughly 25 miles long, inspired by the legendary run of Pheidippides.
Michel Breal championed the idea of the marathon race, which became one of the highlights of the modern Olympic Games.
These games marked a significant turning point in the history of running, setting the stage for the organized running races and competitive events that followed.
The Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon, held for the first time in 1897, is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious running events in the world.
The marathon was inspired by the first modern Olympics and has since become a symbol of endurance and achievement in the running community.
In 1969, the Boston Marathon moved to the third Monday in April, and in 1972, it allowed women to participate for the first time, marking the first official women’s marathon and significant milestones in the history of the event.
Most runners see qualifying to run the Boston Marathon as a major achievement. With a tough standard set for runners.
The Running Boom of the 20th Century
The 20th century witnessed a surge in the popularity of running, driven by various factors, including:
- The rise of jogging as an organized activity
- The 1967 book ‘Jogging’ by Bill Bowerman, which was instrumental in making running popular in the United States
- The trend towards individualistic, health-oriented physical activities
These factors further boosted the popularity of running.
The running boom led to:
- More running events
- The growth of shoe and apparel manufacturers to meet the growing demand
- Notable athletes like Frank Shorter, who won the men’s marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics, inspiring millions to take up running
- The boom was not limited to the United States but was evident in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Bill Bowerman and the Jogging Movement
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: Kenny Moore
Bill Bowerman, inspired by Arthur Lydiard in New Zealand, began a public jogging program at Hayward Field in 1960's.
His book ‘Jogging,’helped to popularize running in the United States and sparked a nationwide interest in recreational running.
Bowerman’s efforts played a significant role in transforming running into a popular fitness activity, laying the groundwork for the running boom of the 1970s and 1980s.
Women's Marathon and Equality in Running
The 1984 Summer Olympics marked a significant milestone for female athletes with the inclusion of the women’s marathon.
Pioneers like Kathrine Switzer and Jacqueline Hansen led the way for women to pursue running seriously. The achievements of runners like Mary Decker, Francie Larrieu, and Grete Waitz culminated in Joan Benoit’s victory in the 1984 Olympic Marathon.
The inclusion of women’s marathons in prestigious events has boosted gender equality in the sport, inspiring countless women to take up running and compete at the highest levels.
Modern Running: From Fitness to Professional Sport
Today, running is pursued for various reasons including:
- fitness
- weight loss
- personal challenge
- competition
- the sheer joy of the activity
Recreational running has surged in popularity, with millions participating in running, jogging, and trail running. Elite athletes benefit from advanced training techniques and sports science, which have significantly improved performance.
The evolution of running has been a process of trial and error, with successful practices being retained and unsuccessful ones discarded.
This continuous refinement has made running a highly specialized and popular sport, leading some to wonder when and how running invented itself as a distinct activity.
Running in the 21st Century
Running has arguably changed the most during the 21st century, Advancements in technology have revolutionized running, enabling precise measurements of training intensities with wearable devices such as GPS watches and heart rate monitors.
Online and Social Media
Apps like Strava and the Coros running app allow runners to review their performance stats in real time, enabling them to work closely with coaches both in-person and online to improve their technique and results.
This data-driven approach has revolutionized training methodologies.
The rise of social media has created a space filled with running influencers, particularly on platforms like Instagram, who offer training advice and share their personal runs.
While this provides valuable training ideas and inspiration, it's crucial to remember that effective training should be tailored to individual needs.
Event Popularity
Running continues to gain popularity across diverse formats: trail events, ultra-endurance races (50K and beyond), HYROX fitness competitions with significant running components, and triathlons all showcase the versatility of the sport and provide multiple entry points for enthusiasts.
Running Shoe Technology
The Asics Piranha Shoe was my race shoe in 2015
Current race shoe the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris
Running shoe technology has undergone a dramatic evolution - Just check out the images above around 10 years of shoe development - the sole is so much thicker and with increased foam on racing shoes
The trend of barefoot running and minimalist footwear (like Vibram FiveFingers) has been largely superseded by "super shoe" technology, featuring advanced foam materials and increased stack heights.
This technological shift has been so significant that running governing bodies have had to establish limitations on stack height for professional races and track events.
Organized Running Events
From marathons to ultra marathons, organized running events have experienced tremendous growth, bringing in participants from diverse backgrounds.
Michel Bréal’s advocacy for the inclusion of the marathon in the 1896 Olympics played a pivotal role in popularizing these events.
Cities like New York and London now host major annual marathons, drawing thousands of runners and spectators.
The rise of the internet has further contributed to the popularity of organized running events by providing information and facilitating registrations for various running event types.
Trail running, Park Runs and initiatives like couch to 5k have really made the sport of running apply to an ever increasing audience.
Ancient vs. Modern Running: A Comparison
Aspect | Ancient Running | Modern Running |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Primarily utilitarian (hunting, warfare, messengers) and religious ceremonies | Recreational, competitive sport, fitness, and health maintenance |
Equipment | Barefoot or simple sandals made from plant fibers or leather | Specialized shoes with cushioning, support, and performance technology |
Tracking | No formal tracking beyond visual observation | GPS watches, smartphone apps, and biometric sensors tracking distance, pace, heart rate, and more |
Training | Informal, based on tradition and practical experience | Scientifically designed programs with periodization, recovery planning, and data analysis |
Events | Religious festivals (e.g., Ancient Olympics), military training, and practical tests | Organized races from 5K to ultramarathons, trail events, obstacle courses, and multi-sport competitions |
Nutrition | Diets with limited understanding of nutritional needs | Specialized sports nutrition with pre/during/post-workout fueling strategies |
Hydration | Natural water sources or carried water in basic containers. | Hydration packs, electrolyte drinks, and strategically placed aid stations |
Recovery | Rest and basic herbal remedies | Ice baths, compression gear, foam rolling, massage guns, and recovery-focused nutrition |
Knowledge | Passed down through generations with limited documentation | Extensive research studies, training methodologies, and instantly accessible information |
Clothing | Minimal, often loincloths or lightweight tunics | Technical fabrics with moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and anti-chafing properties |
Motivation | Survival, duty, and religious significance | Personal goals, health benefits, social connection, and competitive achievement |
My Experience in Witnessing the Development of Running
When I first started running, I used a Garmin 305. The watch was much larger and heavier than modern devices, but these early GPS watches were considered hugely innovative and popular among serious runners.
Garmin 305 v Coros Pace 2
Training philosophies have evolved significantly. We once focused primarily on hard interval sessions, whereas now concepts like lactate threshold profiles and zone-based training have become essential components of effective running programs.
The music experience has transformed completely. Initially, runners had to carry separate MP3 or CD players with wired headphones.
Today's technology allows music to be stored directly on watches, paired with wireless headphones, while streaming services like Spotify provide an almost unlimited selection of audio options.
Event registration has been revolutionized by digital platforms. I once discovered races through print magazines and submitted paper entry forms by mail.
Now, finding and entering running events is seamless through online portals, providing immediate access to event information, registration, and community engagement.
Summary
From the early days of human evolution to the modern running boom, the history of running is a testament to human resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.
Running has evolved from a survival mechanism to a celebrated sport.
The advancements in technology, the rise of organized events, and the push for gender equality have all contributed to making running a global phenomenon.
As we reflect on this incredible journey, it’s clear that running will continue to inspire and challenge us in the years to come.
Whether you’re running for fitness, competition, or pure enjoyment, the legacy of this ancient practice lives on in every stride you take.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was running invented?
Running developed as a natural ability in early humans around two million years ago, as a vital skill for survival.
What is the theory of persistence hunting?
The theory of persistence hunting explains how early humans used their superior endurance to chase down prey over long distances until the prey was exhausted, allowing them to capture it for food.
When were the first Olympic Games held?
The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece.
Who inspired the modern marathon race?
The modern marathon race was inspired by the legendary run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC. This historic event served as the basis for the creation of the marathon race.
When was the Boston Marathon first held?
The Boston Marathon was first held in 1897, making it the longest-running annual marathon in the world.
