Running is the activity of moving fast on foot. Running differs from walking in that one foot is off the ground while walking. When running, the runner lifts into the air with each step. Humans have been running for as long as they could walk. In early times, running was a survival skill. 

In modern times, running is both a recreational method of physical fitness and an organized professional sport. Some of the most popular kinds of running include cross country running, long-distance trail running that takes place on unpaved terrain, road running, long-distance running that takes place on paved roads or streets, running that takes place on a track, and vertical running, which involves ascending the stairs of tall buildings or towers. 

People have been running since the beginning of human history. Civilizations such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Egypt have left behind evidence indicating that running served both practical and recreational purposes in those societies. Evidence also documents early running activities in Asia and Africa.

Ancient Greeks celebrated running by creating the Olympic Games. The first Olympiad was held in 776 BCE. There was only one athletic event, a running race consisting of a 192-meter run called the stade. As the games progressed, Ancient Greeks added other running events such as long-distance running, relay races, and sprinting. Other competitions and festivals in Ancient Greece that included running were the Nemean Games and the Pythian Games.

Ancient Romans also engaged in running as a civilian activity and as military training. The Romans held various running competitions such as foot races, relays, and obstacle courses. Ancient Egyptians also ran as a form of leisure activity and military training. Even members of the royal family participated in running races.

Running continued to be an important part of daily living into the Middle Ages. In Europe, both soldiers and laymen participated in different types of running races. 

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, professional organizations began to organize running races. Long-distance events such as marathons became popular. With the advent of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, runners competed internationally at an elite level. Beyond the Olympics, other long-standing running events took root, such as the Boston Marathon, which dates to 1897.

From that early professional start, running sports have developed zealous followings during the 20th century. At the 1948 London Olympics, huge crowds in the war-torn city gathered to cheer on Emil Zatopek. In 1960, an Ethiopian runner won the Olympics marathon in Rome running barefoot, bringing new respect to long-distance runners from Africa. In 1990, 26,000 runners gathered in solidarity after the marathon in Berlin to celebrate the reunification of Germany in a display of international joy.

In the 21st century, running continues to be popular. Millions of people of all ages continue to run recreationally and participate in races all around the world. 

What is the Value of your Running collectibles? V​iew more in our Running Price Guide.

Memorabilia and collectibles related to running include apparel, art, autographs, equipment, jewelry, medals, photos, trophies, and more. Items pertaining to world-famous runners like Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Allyson Felix have special collector appeal. Signed sports memorabilia can be authenticated by comparing the writing to other autographed pieces and by verifying the equipment itself.

Find the Value of your Running collectibles. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. Explore over 425 Million “sold for” prices with item details and images.

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In the WorthPoint Library

Catalogue of Fine Athletic Goods by Wright & Ditson.

Fall and Winter Catalogue No. 43 - 1899-1900 by T. Eaton Co.

Books and Periodicals

Modern Sports Around the World: History, Geography, and Sociology by David Asa Schwartz.

Running: A Global History by Thor Gotaas.

Running Through the Ages by Edward S. Sears.

When Running Made History by Roger Robinson.

Web Resources

History of Running www.healthandfitnesshistory.com.

The History of Running as a Sport and Recreation www.sportsecyclopedia.com.

The History Of Running: A Brief Introduction www.rockay.com.