Running is one of the oldest physical activities. Ever since prehistoric times to the modern days, running has played an important role in our everyday lives. From professional runners to ordinary Joe and Jane out there, most of us has had the opportunity to run at least once in our lifetime. From running in the Olympic Games to running after a bus, running has a significant role in both sports and our everyday lives.
As a homage to this physical activity, we have compiled a list of fun facts about running that you will love. And here they are.
The Record for Running a Half Marathon Backwards Is 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Have you ever heard about backwards running? No? Well, it exists. And there is even a half-marathon competition to prove it. Essen, Germany is the place to go if you want to witness this phenomenon. In 2009, a German resident, Achim Aretz, set the world record for this unique competition at 1 hour and 40 minutes.
A Marathon at the Desert and Other Unusual Locations
When thinking about a marathon, we usually picture an open road surrounded by woods or buildings with an occasional group of people cheering while the runners pass them by. However, this usual way of running the marathon has become uninteresting and apparently too easy for some people. So they created an extreme marathon.
One of the most unusual locations that are being used to organize a marathon is the Sahara desert. A 150-mile long run called the Marathon Des Sables is one of the most popular races in the world. Another such location is Mount Everest. This marathon starts at Everest Base Camp and ends in Namche Bazaar. Due to the harshness of the climate, it is recommended that every runner spends some time before the race among those conditions, in order to acclimatize.
An Expensive Energy Drink
Knowing what we know about alcohol today and its many side-effects, it might come as a surprise to learn that in the Victorian era they considered is to be a performance enhancer. What is more, some findings indicate that alcohol was used in such purposes way back in Ancient Greece. Also, some drugs that are highly illegal today were used in a similar fashion.
Today we know that drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, but some centuries ago it was recommended to drink some before a race.
Even Celebrities Likes To Run
The TV star and host Oprah Winfrey is known for her famous talk show. But in 1994 she showed her dedication and commitment by finishing a marathon in 4 hours and 29 minutes. While preparing for the marathons she lost over 70 pounds. Other celebrities who finished a marathon are Bryan Cranston and George W Bush.