Running Through the Ages

"Running has always been important to human life, as both survival skill and sport. Contests for the swiftest runners developed early in history, as did admiration for the winners - admiration that persists today in the celebrity status of Olympic track athletes and marathon runners." "Here is the first comprehensive history of running, from prehuman times through the year 2000. Beginning with an exploration of how human anatomy evolved to make possible the running down of prey, it moves on through racing in the ancient world and the Middle Ages, the coming of "pedestrians" (professional runners) in the nineteenth century, the rise of amateur running in events like the Olympics, and the era of the modern superstar runners. Rich with illustrations and detailed information, this book is an excellent resource for anyone with an interest in the facts, legends, and lore of running."--Jacket.