Endurance running is a key trait of the genus Homo, evolving around 2 million years ago and possibly playing a significant role in human evolution. While humans are not fast sprinters, they excel at sustained long-distance running, a capability supported by various physiological and anatomical features. These features, evident in the fossil record, suggest that endurance running is a derived trait of Homo, possibly aiding in the evolution of the human body form. Humans perform well in endurance running compared to other mammals, with speeds ranging from 2.3 to 6.5 m/s in elite athletes. This is comparable to specialized quadrupedal mammals like dogs and horses. Humans also cover long distances, with many people regularly running 10 km or more. However, human running is more metabolically costly than that of many mammals, requiring about twice as much energy per distance. Structural adaptations for endurance running include long legs, a narrow waist, and specialized foot anatomy. These features, present in early Homo, suggest that endurance running evolved alongside bipedalism. The Achilles tendon, longitudinal foot arch, and other anatomical features are crucial for energy efficiency during running. Additionally, humans have larger joint surfaces and more robust bones, which help withstand the stresses of running. Endurance running also poses challenges for skeletal strength and thermoregulation. Humans have adaptations for heat dissipation, such as sweat glands and reduced body hair, which are important for long-distance running in hot environments. The evolution of endurance running may have been driven by the need to exploit protein-rich resources, such as meat, which became available around 2.6 million years ago. While walking is more efficient for short distances, endurance running may have provided advantages in open environments, allowing early Homo to cover long distances, hunt, or scavenge. The evolution of endurance running is linked to the development of a unique human body form, characterized by a large brain, small gut, and efficient thermoregulation. Today, endurance running is primarily a form of exercise and recreation, but its roots may be as old as the origin of the human genus.Endurance running is a key trait of the genus Homo, evolving around 2 million years ago and possibly playing a significant role in human evolution. While humans are not fast sprinters, they excel at sustained long-distance running, a capability supported by various physiological and anatomical features. These features, evident in the fossil record, suggest that endurance running is a derived trait of Homo, possibly aiding in the evolution of the human body form. Humans perform well in endurance running compared to other mammals, with speeds ranging from 2.3 to 6.5 m/s in elite athletes. This is comparable to specialized quadrupedal mammals like dogs and horses. Humans also cover long distances, with many people regularly running 10 km or more. However, human running is more metabolically costly than that of many mammals, requiring about twice as much energy per distance. Structural adaptations for endurance running include long legs, a narrow waist, and specialized foot anatomy. These features, present in early Homo, suggest that endurance running evolved alongside bipedalism. The Achilles tendon, longitudinal foot arch, and other anatomical features are crucial for energy efficiency during running. Additionally, humans have larger joint surfaces and more robust bones, which help withstand the stresses of running. Endurance running also poses challenges for skeletal strength and thermoregulation. Humans have adaptations for heat dissipation, such as sweat glands and reduced body hair, which are important for long-distance running in hot environments. The evolution of endurance running may have been driven by the need to exploit protein-rich resources, such as meat, which became available around 2.6 million years ago. While walking is more efficient for short distances, endurance running may have provided advantages in open environments, allowing early Homo to cover long distances, hunt, or scavenge. The evolution of endurance running is linked to the development of a unique human body form, characterized by a large brain, small gut, and efficient thermoregulation. Today, endurance running is primarily a form of exercise and recreation, but its roots may be as old as the origin of the human genus.