Award-winning poet, writer and runner Helen Mort looks at stories of running through the ages, asking why humans run and what it tells us about ourselves

For millions of people worldwide, running is an essential part of life. It is seen as a path to health, longevity and mental wellbeing – but what is at the root of this international obsession? Where did our desire and ability to run come from, and what role has running played in communities through the ages? Talking to scientists, historians, athletes and authors, Helen Mort follows a trail leading from neolithic times to now, to find out why we run, how our relationship to running has changed and how running has been depicted in our culture across the ages.

Beginning 6000 years ago in the Northern Sahara, she explores what running meant to early humans. Was it merely a way of hunting long-distance, or did it also have ritualistic and spiritual aspects? She hears how indigenous peoples have a long tradition of running to honour their ancestors and worship the gods, and traces the practice of competitive running back to Ancient Greece and the first Olympiad. Recounting the myths of Atalanta and Achilles, Helen goes on to unveil the truth behind the famous legend of Pheidippides, whose feat – and feet – gave us the marathon.

From the iconic rock painting ‘The Running Horned Woman’ to ancient Irish artefacts, Renaissance sculpture, Japanese cinema and American subway ads, she examines running’s enduring relationship with creativity. And, further down the track, she examines the part running has played in societies from Europe's Dark Ages to the modern era: uncovering the surprising religious origins of Britain's present-day position in global athletics, charting the ups and downs of the participation and perception of women runners, and pondering what running’s explosion in popularity in the 20th century means for us today.

Presented by Helen Mort

Produced by Sam Peach and Becca Bryers

Readings by Andi Bickers and Nuhazet Diaz Cano

Thanks to Dr Judith Swaddling and Thor Gotaas

Interviewees: Dr Nathalie Hager, Prof Dan Lieberman, Dustin Martin, Christopher McDougall, Andrea Marcolongo, Roger Robinson, Neil Baxter, Sam Edwards, Bill Hillman, Katie Holmes, Peter Radford

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 23 September-7 October 2024