In the modern era, people see running as a social & fitness activity. But if we go through human evolution, we’ll see that running has been an inborn human instinct to survive. So, you must understand when running was invented and who invented it.
Its development has gradually increased over many centuries. Many things have happened since the first humans walked on land, as they had to stay safe from predators. Since then, a lot of things have changed in carrying out this activity.
Go through this article, and you will learn when was running invented, who invented it, and its . Moreover, it also explains the lessons we learned from running and many more. So don’t wait anymore, and go through this guide post immediately.
A Brief Timeline of When Was Running Invented
When was running invented? It was first recognized as a sport in Olympia in 776 BCE. Earlier, humans had to run to gather food and stay safe. But now, people are running as a sport through these games. Through this section, you will learn about a brief timeline of running activities.
1896
At the country level, the Greeks invented running to summon the glory of ancient times. Michael Breal inspired the creation of the modern marathon. His determination led to inclusion in the Olympic Games. But the event was exclusive to men, during his time.
1897
Greece was a thriving destination during the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. The iconic race acts as a prominent event in the modern sporting calendar. Moreover, it also inspired people to continue it in 1897.
1909
Thanksgiving Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, etc., were some dates of the first five New York marathons.
1972
Frank Shorter won the Summer Olympics. Subsequently, it sparked the 1970s’ Run Boom. This event inspired around 25 million people to run as a hobby or sport.
1984
In the Los Angeles Olympics, running was invented as the first women’s marathon in U.S history. This made Joan Benoit the first female Olympic runner, finishing the race in 2:24:52 Hours.
2019
Nearly 715 marathons were planned around the United States of America in 2019. As a result, the sport’s appeal has yet to diminish.
Which Athlete Invented Running?
Running was invented throughout the ages. Also, many people have added their names to the list of significant runners. Ancient nations & kingdoms used it to convey messages.
Some people think that Pheidippides (a legendary runner) ran 300 miles. He could make two trips between Athens & Sparta with little rest. Thus, some historians state that the 26.2-mile marathon started the following year to honor Pheidippides’ heroic journey.
Many people were running long distances. But it is difficult to tell if the Pheidippides started it. This is a longer distance at that time.
Earlier, these runners could travel over uneven terrain better than horses. Thus, nations & kingdoms were also using them as running messengers during the 19th century. We know that we (as humans) can’t match their short-distance speeds with animals. However, some researchers claim that humans are generally better distance runners than most.
We know that the history of sprint running dates back to ancient Greece. But the 100-meter dash was first included at the 1896 Summer Olympics.
Historic Moments & Events of When Was Running Invented
Through this section, you will learn a brief chronology of the significant events. So, go through these historic moments & events right away.
1896
In the first Olympic Marathon in Athens, you’ll see 18 men competing in it. The Olympic winner crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 50 seconds.
1897
John Graham founded the Boston Marathon inspired by last year’s inaugural Olympics. Thus, the original route was 24.5 miles long.
1908
A famous marathon that took place during the London Summer Olympics. As a result, it established an official distance of 26.2 miles.
1909
The “marathon mania” started in 1909 when several marathons were held in New York on holidays.
1947
Google claims that Mr. Thomas attempted to walk at double the speed at once. Thus, people credit the crown of the person who invented running.
1960
The renowned Ethiopian Abebe Bikila won gold and broke a world record in the marathon in 1960. But he could accomplish this phenomenon while sprinting barefoot.
1972
Frank Shorter is an American runner who motivated millions after winning the gold medal at the 1972 Berlin Olympics. Therefore, this phenomenon is known as the “Boom of the 1970s.”
1981
When the London Marathon arrives, it becomes the most significant event in Europe.
1982
Women’s track and field events have been added to the NCAA.
1984
In the Los Angeles Olympics, running was invented as the first women’s marathon in the history of the United States. This made Joan Benoit the first female Olympic runner, finishing the race in 2:24:52 Hours.
1986
The day David Dack was born. Additionally, the Boston Marathon distributed the prize money among the winners for the first time.
1987
Jack Joyner made history by being the first female runner to win three gold medals. The Sports Illustrated cover called her “Super Woman.”
1988
Ben Johnson tests positive for performance-enhancing substances during the Summer Olympics.
2005
The minimalist movement gained popularity for this sport after Vibram’s five-finger.
2016
Dean Karnazes becomes a legend when he finishes 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.
2007
The New York Marathon attracted more than 38,607 athletes. As a result, it became the biggest marathon to date.
2009
Christopher McDougall’s “Born to Run” has topped The New York Times best settler list.
So What Does This Sport’s History Teach Us?
When was running invented? Who invented running? As humans, are we born to run?
Well, our long-distance running capacity as no one is better at it than humans. Yes, cheetahs may be the quickest animals in a brief sprint. But they can’t keep up with marathon runners over long distances.
Humans force even horses to consume their dust. Thus, this indicates that evolution has had some influence in this scenario. Anyhow, that’s our reasoning. How do you feel?
Wrapping It Up
“Running” is one of the most popular sports today. Many people run regularly to stay in shape, meet new people, connect with a community, compete, and set personal records. Moreover, this article also looks back to when running was invented or who invented running. Not only this, there are lots of fascinating milestones that have developed into the sport it is today.
Nevertheless, this article also teaches us a brief history of this sport and the evolution of running-specific anatomical features. It also explains who invented it as a sport, along with its historical events, and what this sport teaches us.