Running
Running is a method of
terrestrial locomotion by which humans and other animals move quickly on foot. Running is a
gait with an aerial phase in which all feet are above the ground (though there are exceptions). This is in contrast to
walking, a slower form of movement where at least one foot is always in contact with the ground, the legs are kept mostly straight, and the
center of gravity vaults over the stance leg or legs in an
inverted pendulum fashion. A feature of a running body from the viewpoint of
spring-mass mechanics is that changes in
kinetic and
potential energy within a stride co-occur, with energy storage accomplished by springy tendons and passive muscle elasticity. The term "running" can refer to a variety of speeds ranging from
jogging to
sprinting.
Running in humans is associated with improved health and
life expectancy.
It is hypothesized that the ancestors of humankind developed the ability to run for long distances about 2.6 million years ago, probably to
hunt animals. Competitive running grew out of religious festivals in various areas. Records of competitive
racing date back to the
Tailteann Games in
Ireland between 632 BCE and 1171 BCE, while the first recorded
Olympic Games took place in 776 BCE. Running has been described as the world's most accessible sport.
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