Running

The New York City Marathon.
These runners are competing in the New York City Marathon.

Running is an effective form of exercise and a popular sport. 

Running is a vigorous form of exercise and a popular sport. Millions of people run because they enjoy the ac­tivity or want to be physically fit. Some runners compete in long-distance races that are not part of organized ath­letics meets. Most of these races are run on city streets and roads. This article includes information on such long-distance races, which are sometimes called mara­thons. For information about other kinds of running events, see Athletics.

Some people use the terms running and jogging in­terchangeably. However, running is usually considered faster than jogging. In addition, people jog only to exer­cise, not to compete against others.

Running requires no special skills or facilities. The only equipment needed is well-cushioned, flexible shoes and comfortable clothing. People more than 35 years old should have a complete medical examination before starting a running programme.

A daily programme of running improves a person's physical condition in many ways. Running is an aerobic exercise— that is, it promotes the circulation of oxygen through the bloodstream to the organs and tissues. It also builds up the heart and increases a person's endur­ance. Running strengthens the leg muscles and makes the body more limber. It helps control weight because runners burn up more than 62 calories per kilometre. In addition, running helps relieve emotional stress.

Running competitions have been held since ancient times. The Olympic Games feature several running events, including the marathon. Officially, a marathon is a race that covers 42.2 kilometres. However, the word marathon is often used for any race of several kilome­tres.

Many cities hold annual marathons. About 25,000 run­ners compete in the London Marathon, more than in any other marathon in the world. However, running events covering 10 kilometres are more popular than official marathons.

Running became extremely popular during the 1960's and 1970's. In the book Aerobics (1968), Kenneth Cooper, an American physician, brought attention to the advantages of running. Throughout the world, a large number of newspaper and magazine articles described the benefits of running and many more books about running have published. See also Cross-country, Jogging Marathon; Physical fitness.