Why Do We Run?
Humans evolved with a unique ability to run, but the reasons why are not yet fully understood.
In 2017, a reported 60 million Americans actively participated in regular, run-focused activities. With the exception of a few social and migratory animals, this seems to be a uniquely human pastime. Why is that? The answer to this question may reside in our evolutionary history.
Humans are the only known primates capable of endurance running, although the origin of this movement strategy is somewhat unclear. One hypothesis, proposed by biologist Dennis M. Bramble and paleoanthropologist Daniel Lieberman, suggests that in order to develop and sustain larger bodies, brains, and populations, early humans had to travel farther distances to find more nutrient-dense food sources. Traveling these distances took more time, and also incorporated a higher energy requirement, resulting in a number of physical adaptations, including:
Longer legs
Long, spring-like tendons, such as the Achilles
Development of stabilization muscles, such as those found in the back and glutes
A greater degree of trunk rotation, used for balance
Development of heat regulation mechanisms, like less body hair and sweat glands
These changes provide little to no advantage to us while walking but are key components of effective running mechanics. And, while the evolutionary drivers for these features remain open to further research, it does seem clear that humans developed to be adaptable movers and capable runners.
Today, running is so natural that we don’t think twice when we chase the bus, play tag with our kids, or hit the trails for some exercise. Even if we weren’t built primarily to run, we likely evolved to take advantage of this capacity and, more generally, to move as part of our health and survival. Many people report feeling a deep, almost innate, connection to running. Maybe that’s more than just a feeling, but also a deeper biological truth.