Running wasn’t invented by Thomas Running in 1747—it’s a fundamental human ability that evolved over millions of years.
This comprehensive, fact-checked guide explores running’s evolutionary origins, historical development, and modern significance.
Key Takeaways
- 🏃♂️ Born to Run: Running isn’t something we invented; it’s built into us, part of our DNA from way back when.
- 🍖 Survival Skill: Our ancestors used running to hunt for food and stay safe from danger. Talk about a workout with a purpose!
- 🥇 Ancient Olympics: Running was a big deal in the first Olympics, proving it’s been a sport for a long, long time.
- 🏟️ The First Race: The “stade” in ancient Greece was the original race – a sprint across a stadium. Simple but epic!
- 🤔 No “Invention” Needed: Forget about someone named Thomas “inventing” it. Running is as natural as walking (just faster!).
- 🌎 Global Sport: From ancient times to today, running connects people worldwide, whether it’s for fun, fitness, or competition.
The Truth About Running’s Origins
The humorous internet meme claiming “running was invented in 1747 by Thomas Running” is just that—a meme. Running is an innate human capability that evolved through natural selection as our ancestors needed to hunt and avoid predators.
Our evolutionary adaptations for running include:
- Long legs with strong gluteal muscles
- Achilles tendons that store and release energy
- Efficient sweating mechanism for cooling
- Narrower waists and shorter toes for forward movement
As evolutionary biologists studying human locomotion note: “Running isn’t something we invented; it’s built into us, part of our DNA from way back when.”
The Evolution of Running: From Survival to Sport
Born to Run: Our Evolutionary Advantage
Humans evolved as exceptional distance runners, developing physical traits that distinguish us from other primates. These adaptations didn’t appear overnight but evolved over millions of years through natural selection.
Persistence Hunting: Running for Survival
Early humans used persistence hunting—chasing prey to exhaustion—as a crucial survival strategy. Unlike predators relying on short bursts of speed, humans could maintain moderate pace over long distances, literally running animals to exhaustion.
Archaeological evidence confirms that homo sapiens and earlier human ancestors used endurance running as a significant evolutionary advantage, establishing humans as successful hunters across diverse terrains.
Running in Ancient Times
People have been running throughout recorded history. In the 7th century BCE, Greek messengers called “hemerodromoi” were renowned for delivering messages over long distances.
Running was already established as:
- A core component of military training
- An essential element in cultural ceremonies and religious rituals
- A form of informal competition demonstrating physical prowess
- A practical means of transportation when speed was essential
From Ancient Competition to Modern Sport
The Birth of Organized Running
Organized running competitions date back thousands of years:
| Time Period | Notable Running Developments |
|---|---|
| 776 BCE | First recorded Olympic Games featuring the stadion race |
| 490 BCE | Pheidippides’ legendary run from Marathon to Athens |
| 19th century | Revival of organized running competitions in England |
| 1896 | First modern Olympic Games featuring running events |
| 1897 | First Boston Marathon established as an annual event |
| 1970s | Running boom transforms running into a popular recreational activity |
The Legend of Pheidippides: Birth of the Marathon
The marathon traces its origins to the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier who reportedly ran from Marathon to Athens (approximately 25 miles) to announce the Greek victory over the Persians in 490 BCE.
This legendary run inspired the marathon event in the first modern Olympics, with the distance later standardized at 26.2 miles during the 1908 London Olympics when the royal family requested the race start at Windsor Castle.
The 20th Century: When Running Became Popular
The Running Boom of the 1970s
The running boom of the 1970s transformed running from a competitive sport into a widespread recreational activity. Several factors contributed to this explosion in popularity:
- Frank Shorter’s gold medal in the 1972 Olympic marathon
- Steve Prefontaine’s charismatic personality and aggressive racing style
- Publication of the book “Jogging” by Bill Bowerman and W.E. Harris
- Growing awareness of cardiovascular fitness benefits
During this period, recreational runners began participating in races alongside elite runners, democratizing what had previously been primarily a competitive sport. Jogging clubs formed across America, creating communities centered around this accessible form of exercise.
The Rise of Modern Marathons
Major city marathons established during this period continue to grow in popularity:
- Boston Marathon (established 1897)
- New York City Marathon (established 1970)
- London Marathon (established 1981)
- Chicago Marathon (established 1977)
Today, these marathon events attract tens of thousands of participants annually, from elite athletes to first-time marathoners. The phenomenon of “marathon mania” that began in the late 1970s continues to grow, with over 700 marathon races taking place annually in the United States alone.
The Myth of Thomas Running
The internet meme claiming “running was invented in 1748 by Thomas Running” has led many to search for information about this fictional character. This humorous meme plays on the format of legitimate invention attributions but has no historical basis.
Just as Thomas Running is fictional, so is the character “Joshua Jogging” who sometimes appears in similar memes. These humorous creations highlight an important truth: running wasn’t invented but evolved naturally with human development.
The truth is:
- No person named Thomas Running invented running
- Running wasn’t “invented” in 1747, 1748, or any specific year
- Running is an instinctive activity that evolved over millions of years
Modern Running: Technology Meets Tradition
The Evolution of Running Shoes
Running shoes have dramatically evolved since their humble beginnings. Early competitive running was done in minimal leather shoes or even barefoot. The development of specialized running shoes began in earnest in the early 20th century and accelerated during the running boom of the 1970s.
Key developments in running shoe technology include:
- The waffle sole created by Bill Bowerman (co-founder of Nike, originally Blue Ribbon Sports)
- The introduction of EVA foam midsoles in the 1970s
- Motion control and stability features for different foot types
- Modern carbon plate technology for enhanced performance
Today’s runners benefit from shoes designed specifically for different types of running, from sprinting to ultramarathons, with advanced materials providing cushioning, support, and safety features.
Training Methods and Coaching
Modern running has been transformed by scientific approaches to training. Coaches like Arthur Lydiard, Bill Bowerman, and Jack Daniels revolutionized training methodologies in the 20th century, developing periodized training plans based on physiological principles.
American running coach Bill Bowerman, who coached Steve Prefontaine at the University of Oregon before co-founding Nike, was instrumental in popularizing interval training and periodization for distance runners. As an Olympic track coach, his methods helped establish American dominance in distance events during the 1970s.
Running in the 21st Century: A Global Phenomenon
Recreational Running Today
Recreational running has never been more popular than it is today. According to industry statistics:
- Over 60 million Americans engage in running as a form of exercise
- Running consistently ranks among the most popular sports worldwide
- The average age of active runners continues to increase, showing running’s lifelong appeal
- Virtual races and running apps have made participation more accessible than ever
In modern times, running serves multiple purposes:
- Physical fitness and weight management
- Mental health benefits and stress reduction
- Social connection through running groups and events
- Competitive goals from 5Ks to ultramarathons
Elite Competition in the Modern Era
At the elite level, competitive running continues to evolve, with athletes pushing the boundaries of human performance:
- The men’s marathon world record has improved from 2:08:33 in 1969 to 2:00:35 in 2023
- Women’s participation in distance events, once restricted, now features equally in major competitions
- Specialized training for different distances has become increasingly scientific
- Elite runners now make careers as professional runners with sponsorships and prize money
Health Benefits of Running
Running strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Regular runners have 45% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and can lower blood pressure by 5-10 mm Hg. Just 30 minutes of running 3 times a week can significantly improve heart health.
Running triggers the release of endorphins, creating the famous “runner’s high.” Studies show that regular running can reduce symptoms of depression by up to 30% and anxiety by 20%. It also improves sleep quality and reduces stress hormones like cortisol.
Running is one of the most efficient calorie-burning exercises, with a 150-pound person burning approximately 100 calories per mile. Regular runners maintain healthier body composition and have lower rates of obesity. Running also boosts metabolism for hours after your workout.
Contrary to popular belief, running strengthens bones and joints when done properly. Weight-bearing exercise like running increases bone density by 3-5% over time, reducing risk of osteoporosis. Studies show runners have lower rates of arthritis than non-runners as they age.
Research shows that runners live 3-5 years longer on average than non-runners. Even just 5-10 minutes of running per day is associated with markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. Regular runners show biological markers of people 10 years younger than their chronological age.
Running offers numerous health benefits supported by scientific research:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Weight management and fat loss
- Enhanced mental wellbeing
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Better sleep quality
- Increased longevity
Getting Started with Running
For beginners looking to start running, consider these evidence-based tips:
- Invest in proper running shoes
- Start with a walk-run program
- Focus on proper form
- Build mileage gradually
- Incorporate rest days
- Stay hydrated
- Listen to your body
Running Through the Ages: A Timeline
Running Through the Ages
Explore the fascinating evolution of running from our earliest ancestors to modern competition, discovering how this fundamental human movement has shaped our history.
Interesting Facts
Modern Running Gear and Technology
Today’s runners benefit from technological advances that enhance the running experience:
- GPS running watches for tracking distance, pace, and routes
- Moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort in various conditions
- Specialized nutrition products for fueling during long runs
- Recovery tools to enhance post-run recovery
- Running apps for training plans and community connection
Conclusion: Running’s Timeless Legacy
When we ask “when was running invented,” we’re exploring humanity’s fundamental connection to movement. Running wasn’t invented in 1747 or any other year—it’s woven into the fabric of human evolution and history.
From our earliest ancestors chasing prey across the savanna to today’s marathon majors attracting thousands of participants, running remains one of our most natural and accessible forms of movement. It connects us to our evolutionary past while continuing to evolve through modern sport and fitness culture.
Running wasn’t invented. It was always part of what makes us human.
FAQs About Running’s Origins and History
When was running invented?
Running wasn’t invented but evolved as a natural human movement millions of years ago. The meme claiming “running was invented in 1747” is simply humor, not historical fact.
Who invented running?
No one person invented running. It’s an innate human ability that evolved through natural selection as our ancestors needed to hunt and avoid predators.
Was running invented in 1748?
No, “running was invented in 1748 by Thomas Running” is just an internet meme. Humans have been running since prehistoric times.
How was running invented?
Running wasn’t invented but developed through evolutionary processes over millions of years as early humans adapted to their environment.
When did running become a sport?
Organized running competitions date back to at least 776 BCE with the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, making it one of the world’s oldest sports.
References 📚
- Harvard University research on endurance running and evolution: Harvard University’s Department of Human Evolutionary Biology
- Information on the Athens 1896 Olympic Games: Britannica
- Official Olympic information: olympic.org
- Details on the first modern Olympic Games: Olympics.com
- Wikipedia entry on running: Running (disambiguation) – Wikipedia
- History of the International Olympic Committee: History of the IOC (olympics.com)
- https://www.220triathlon.com/blog/when-was-running-invented
https://marathonhandbook.com/when-was-running-invented/
https://joggo.run/blog/when-was-running-invented/
https://runtothefinish.com/when-was-running-invented/
https://rockay.com/blogs/blog/the-history-of-running-a-brief-introduction
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a62349452/when-was-running-invented/
https://www.tiktok.com/@lukedavidson_/video/7328262952518290694?lang=en
https://sportsgearmag.com/running-invented/
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.