20 Fun (and Unexpected) Facts About Running 🏃‍♂️

Hey there, runner (or future runner)! Whether you love pounding the pavement or just admire people who do, running is packed with surprising facts that might just make you appreciate it even more. Some will blow your mind, others might make you rethink your next jog, and a few are just downright weird. Let’s dive in!

1. The Human Body is Built for Running

Believe it or not, humans are some of the best endurance runners in the animal kingdom. We may not be the fastest, but our ability to sweat and regulate body temperature means we can outrun nearly any animal over long distances. (Yes, even a horse.)

2. Your Knees Will Thank You

Contrary to popular belief, running doesn’t destroy your knees. Studies show that runners actually have a lower risk of developing knee osteoarthritis compared to non-runners. Turns out, movement keeps your joints healthy!

3. The First Marathon Runner Died

The legend of the marathon comes from Pheidippides, an ancient Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens (about 26 miles) to deliver a battle victory message. He supposedly dropped dead after shouting, "We have won!" Maybe hydrate better than he did.

4. Running Can Get You High

Yep, the famous runner’s high is real! It’s caused by a rush of endorphins and endocannabinoids (natural chemicals similar to THC) that make you feel amazing mid-run. Who needs drugs when you have a solid 5K?

5. The Fastest Mile Ever Run? INSANE.

The current world record for the fastest mile is 3 minutes and 43 seconds, set by Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999. That’s like sprinting an entire mile at the speed most of us can barely maintain for a few seconds.

6. The Slowest Marathon Ever Took Over 54 Years

Shizo Kanakuri, a Japanese runner in the 1912 Olympics, collapsed from heat exhaustion mid-race, went home, and didn’t return to finish the marathon until 1967. That’s one way to pace yourself!

7. Your Feet Can Grow from Running

Long-distance running can actually make your feet bigger over time. The repeated impact flattens your arches, and your feet can permanently stretch up to a full shoe size.

8. You Sweat Buckets

A runner can sweat up to 4 liters per hour in extreme heat. That’s the equivalent of more than 8 standard water bottles. Time to hydrate!

9. Running Might Make You Live Longer

Studies suggest that running just 5-10 minutes a day can add 3+ years to your life. So yes, running away from your problems might actually be a good idea.

10. There’s a Marathon in the Coldest Place on Earth

The Antarctic Ice Marathon is run in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). Imagine trying to run while your eyelashes freeze.

11. There’s Also a Marathon on the Great Wall of China

With over 5,000 steps to climb, the Great Wall Marathon is one of the toughest races on Earth. Your legs will hate you, but your Instagram will love you.

12. You Can Run a Marathon in Space

Astronaut Sunita Williams ran the Boston Marathon while in orbit on the International Space Station in 2007. She used a treadmill with a harness to keep her from floating away.

13. Running Barefoot Isn’t Just for Cavemen

Many studies suggest that running barefoot (or with minimalist shoes) can reduce injuries. Some tribes, like the Tarahumara in Mexico, run ultra-long distances barefoot or in simple sandals—and they’re crazy fast.

14. Marathons Used to Be Shorter

The first modern Olympic marathon in 1896 was 40 km (25 miles). The extra 1.2 miles was added in 1908 so the race could finish in front of the British royal family at the London Olympics.

15. The Oldest Marathon Runner Was 101 Years Old

Fauja Singh, a British runner of Indian descent, ran his last marathon at age 101. Meanwhile, I struggle to get off the couch some days.

16. Some People Run 100+ Miles NONSTOP

Ultramarathons are a thing, and some runners push themselves to insane limits. The Barkley Marathons in Tennessee is so tough that fewer than 20 people have ever finished since it started in 1986.

17. The Most Marathons Run in a Year? 239!

British runner Steve Edwards has completed over 900 marathons, including a record-breaking 239 in a single year. That’s almost one marathon every 1.5 days.

18. Your Brain Tries to Trick You into Quitting

When you start feeling exhausted mid-run, it’s often your brain, not your body, telling you to stop. It’s called the central governor theory—your brain limits your performance to keep you from overexerting yourself. You can often push through it!

19. Running Can Boost Creativity

Ever had your best ideas while jogging? Studies show that running increases brain activity, sparking creativity and problem-solving. That’s why some of the greatest thinkers, like Steve Jobs, were regular runners.

20. There’s a Backwards Running Race

Yes, reverse running (or "retro running") is a real sport. It burns more calories, improves balance, and is surprisingly easier on the knees. There are even world championships for it!

So, ready to lace up and hit the road? 

Or at least pretend you're going to? 😉 Whether you’re running for fun, fitness, or just a really good post-run meal, now you’ve got some useless (but awesome) running facts to impress your friends.

Got a weird running fact of your own?

Drop it in the comments!

Stay useless,

The Useless Guy 🚀