When Was Running Invented? And Who First Decided to Run?

Running is so deeply ingrained in our everyday life that it’s easy to forget how extraordinary this simple form of movement really is. We run for exercise, for sport, for competition, and even out of necessity in dangerous situations. But have you ever wondered, when was running actually invented? And is there a single person we can credit for “inventing” it?

The truth is that running, as a fundamental human activity, has roots tracing back millions of years—long before written history began. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t explore how the concept of running evolved, how it became formalized into the sport we know today, and why proper running posture matters so much in the modern world.

The Deep Evolutionary Roots of Running

Running likely originated alongside the development of bipedal locomotion in our early hominid ancestors. Fossil evidence suggests that hominins—our direct ancestors and relatives—began walking upright around six million years ago. As upright creatures, they would have found running advantageous for hunting prey, escaping predators, and covering long distances in search of resources. Anthropologists often discuss the Endurance Running Hypothesis, which posits that humans evolved to become exceptional endurance runners. Unlike many other animals, humans can sustain a moderate running pace over longer distances due to our ability to sweat and efficiently regulate body temperature.

In this sense, running wasn’t “invented” by a single individual at a single moment. Instead, it emerged out of evolutionary necessity and gradually became a natural part of human movement. The capacity to run far and fast helped early humans succeed in what might be called “persistence hunting,” in which they chased prey until it was too exhausted to flee. This natural aptitude for running laid the groundwork for what would later become athletic competitions, cultural rituals, and recreational sports.

Mythical or Historical Inventors?

Since running predates recorded history, there isn’t a single recognized “inventor” of running. However, there are mythical or historical figures often celebrated for their legendary feats of speed or endurance. One such figure is Pheidippides, the ancient Greek herald credited with running from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a military victory. According to legend, he died from exhaustion after announcing the Greek win over the Persians in 490 BCE. While modern scholars debate the accuracy of this tale, the story has given rise to the marathon race as a commemorative event.

Another example can be found in the traditions of various Indigenous communities worldwide. Many Native American cultures have long histories of running for practical, ceremonial, or spiritual reasons. In the Tarahumara community of northern Mexico (also called the Rarámuri), people are renowned for running ultra-long distances in rugged terrain, often while wearing simple sandals. Though we cannot name a single person as the “inventor” of running, these cultural and historical narratives highlight just how deeply running is woven into humanity’s collective tapestry.

The Formalization of Running as a Sport

While running has been around for millions of years, it gradually became organized into sporting events as human societies developed. The earliest recorded athletic competitions in Ancient Greece featured running events as central attractions, reflecting the Greeks’ belief in the harmonious development of mind and body. The stadion race, a sprint covering roughly 192 meters, was the first recorded event in the ancient Olympic Games around 776 BCE.

From these ancient competitions, running events spread and evolved. When the modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896, running competitions took center stage, featuring short sprints, middle-distance events, and the newly invented marathon, inspired by the legend of Pheidippides. Over time, track and field, cross country, and road racing all gained popularity worldwide, leading to the establishment of professional organizations such as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics. Today, running is an integral part of global sporting culture, with events ranging from local 5Ks to international marathons like those in Boston, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

Spreading the Culture of Running

Running as a recreational activity began gaining serious momentum in the mid-to-late 20th century. A critical turning point came with the publication of “Jogging” (1967) by Bill Bowerman, the legendary track coach at the University of Oregon, and W.E. Harris, a physician. This book popularized the concept of running for health and leisure in the United States. Soon after, luminaries like Jim Fixx—author of “The Complete Book of Running” (1977)—encouraged millions of Americans to take up running as a way to improve cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being.

With the rise of running clubs, charity races, and accessible training programs, the sport became more inclusive and mainstream. Grassroots movements in various countries added to this wave, encouraging families, schoolchildren, and seniors to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement or trails. By the 21st century, running was no longer just a competitive endeavor for elite athletes; it had become a universal pastime, offering people of all ages and abilities a way to stay active and challenge themselves.

The Recognition of Running Today

Today, running is recognized as one of the most accessible forms of exercise on the planet. Millions participate in organized races each year, while even more engage in casual running routines for fitness or relaxation. The internet has further boosted running’s visibility through online running communities, social media challenges, and wearable technology that tracks distance, pace, and heart rate.

Professional running has also flourished, with athletes competing in high-profile track meets, marathons with lucrative prize purses, and ultra-distance events that push the limits of human endurance. Sponsorships from major athletic brands, television broadcasting deals, and endorsements have turned top runners into international celebrities. This recognition has spurred the development of advanced running gear, from high-tech shoes designed to enhance speed and reduce injury, to specialized running apparel that wicks away sweat and regulates body temperature.

The Correct Running Posture

Whether you run competitively or casually, proper running posture is essential for maximizing performance and reducing the risk of injury. While there’s no single perfect form that applies identically to every individual, here are some general guidelines:

1. Head and Neck Alignment
   Keep your head up and your neck relaxed. Gaze forward rather than down at your feet. This positioning helps maintain an upright posture and supports efficient breathing.
2. Shoulders and Arms
   Relax your shoulders to avoid tension that can limit your range of motion. Your arms should swing naturally at your sides, bent at roughly a 90-degree angle. The rhythm of your arm swing should complement your leg movement without excessive crossover in front of your body.
3. Torso and Hips
   Maintain a slight forward lean from the ankles, not the waist. Your torso should remain upright with your core engaged. Keeping your hips under your torso will help generate forward momentum with minimal wasted energy.
4. Stride and Footstrike
   Aim for a midfoot strike, where the middle of your foot contacts the ground first. Overstriding—landing with your heel far ahead of your body—can lead to increased impact and stress on joints. Focus on a cadence (steps per minute) that feels comfortable but efficient, often around 170–180 steps per minute for many runners.
5. Breathing Technique
   Controlled, rhythmic breathing is critical. Some runners prefer a 3:2 inhale-exhale ratio, while others adopt a 2:2 pattern. The key is to find a steady rhythm that delivers enough oxygen to your muscles.
6. Listening to Your Body
   Good posture also involves paying attention to signs of fatigue, pain, or imbalance. Make adjustments if you notice discomfort or misalignment as you run.

Training and Safety Considerations

When you begin or modify a running routine, it’s advisable to do so gradually. Start with modest distances and speeds, then increase your mileage by around 10% each week to reduce the likelihood of overuse injuries. Warming up before a run and cooling down afterward can also help prevent muscle strains. If you’re a beginner or have specific concerns—such as a history of knee problems—it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional or a running coach to receive tailored advice.

Staying hydrated, wearing the right footwear, and running on safe surfaces are critical aspects of injury prevention. While modern running shoes can offer support, some runners prefer minimalist footwear to encourage a more natural stride. Experimenting with different shoe types and analyzing your gait—possibly through a professional gait analysis—can help you find the best fit for your running style.

Conclusion

So, when was running invented? It wasn’t “invented” in the way we typically think about new gadgets or technologies. Rather, running gradually emerged as a natural consequence of our evolutionary development, helping our ancestors survive and thrive. Over millennia, it transformed from a survival skill into a cultural practice, and eventually into the competitive and recreational sport we see today. While there is no single “inventor” of running, numerous individuals and communities have shaped our understanding and practice of this timeless activity, from ancient Greeks and their Olympic Games to modern authors promoting jogging for health.

Running’s expansion is now global, assisted by media coverage, well-organized events, and online communities that celebrate personal achievements. Whether you’re training for a marathon or jogging a few miles in your neighborhood, learning correct posture and progression strategies can make all the difference. By embracing good form, understanding the body’s signals, and gradually challenging yourself, you can enjoy running’s many benefits—from improved fitness to stress relief and a deeper connection with your evolutionary heritage.