The history of human running is deeply intertwined with the evolution of our species and has played a crucial role in our survival, development, and cultural expression.

Running is believed to have been a crucial adaptation for early humans. The ability to run allowed our ancestors to hunt, escape from predators, and cover long distances efficiently. The persistence hunting hypothesis suggests that early humans, lacking the speed of many prey animals, used endurance running to track and exhaust them over long distances until the prey collapsed from exhaustion.

As humans transitioned from a primarily arboreal lifestyle to a more terrestrial one, running became an essential skill for hunting and gathering food. It was also used for communication within groups and as a means of transportation

Running played a significant role in various ancient cultures. For example, the Ancient Greeks considered running an essential element of education, and the Olympic Games, starting in 776 BCE, featured running competitions.

Today, running continues to be a fundamental human activity, encompassing various forms and purposes—from competitive races to recreational jogging and fitness training. It remains an integral part of human history and culture.