I have been running competitively, and non-competitively, for the last 8 years of the 18 so far in my life. However, until just recently I had only a vague understanding of an answer to such a profound question. As a person who’s idol is Steve Prefontaine (the top distance runner of our times), who knows the ins and outs of Icy-Hot, and who can almost perfectly grasp a cup of water from a race volunteers out-stretched hand while continuing to move at a steady speed, I realized I must solve this mystery. What is it, exactly, that makes runners do what they do?

I needed to convince other people, and most of all myself, that so many hours of trying footsteps could be justified and worthwhile… and so my research began.

There are numerous reasons why one may initially be interested in pursuing the activity of distance running and as a runner progresses through his or her “running career”, many will find these reasons changing slightly. I have found that there are a few different types of runners and within those types, various stages of runner development. Unfortunately, many people who have an idea to start running don’t necessarily follow through. However, for those who do pursue running, it can be very rewarding.

The first type of runner would be a natural-born runner. A person in this category would likely be built like a runner and instinctively perform well while running. While one might figure this to be an ideal characteristic, there are still plenty of chances that a natural-born runner may go astray from developing fully in the sport. The first stage of running for a person of this type would be discovering his/her natural talent for running (usually through other sports or activities). At this point if they decide running would be most beneficial to them, they may start informally racing friends or possibly attending a track meet or running event to judge their skills. The second stage for this type of runner would be independence. The runner will begin wanting to test his or her limits and stand out in a crowd and they will strive to meet high expectations. The third stage for a runner of this type is most crucial. Since running is a key component of a large majority of sports, a natural-born runner at this stage of development will ultimately decide if they wish to dedicate their talents solely to running, or move on to something else. Either way the individual will likely stay active. When a natural-born runner chooses to continue running, he or she will likely encompass another sort of runner, a dedicated runner.

A third type of runner would be a humanitarian runner. Benefit footraces are one of the most commonly used forms of fundraising among non-profit organizations. It is possible to be any other type of runner and also be this type; especially considering proceeds from just about every footrace goes to charity. People generally will start out running in non-profit events when they feel a certain connection to a certain cause, and then some just like helping out in anyway they can, while staying active. The next stage of a humanitarian runner would be getting other people involved, such as family, friends, or co-workers. They start to love to run or race because it’s something they can do together and it helps out in society. The final stage of a humanitarian runner would be consistently running certain races or forming traditions around various events. The Human Race in Santa Rosa is one of the most successful Non-profit footraces in the nation. It raises over $1 million per year towards non-profits. Accomplished runner Cathy DuBay quotes in the Press Democrat, “Running aside, I think the community support is so amazing and so positive, you just want to be part of it."

The final type of runner would be a health/fitness junkie. It has been proven many times over that running is one of the most beneficial activities in promoting physical, mental, and social health. A person who runs to remain healthy and active will generally remain constant in their workout routines from day to day and only change if they feel they need to burn off some extra calories or some extra stress. Physically, running consistently can help with weight loss, fighting aging, disease, and general health. These are definitely desirable and beneficial traits to the majority of the population. Plus, studies have shown that running reduces chances of stroke, lung cancer, and blood clots. With the exception of Cross-Country skiing, running burns more calories than any other cardiovascular exercise. However, running isn’t only beneficial physically, it also builds confidence and character, provides stress relief, and gives a positive boost in ones attitude. Not to mention, running, despite being a generally individual sport, is coincidentally one of the most social. Running encourages camaraderie, health, and accomplishment.

With so many types of runners running for so many reasons, I think it’s pretty safe to say that the trend will not be dying out any time in the near future. A person may decide to run for any variety of reasons, yet every runner shares at least some form of bond. Runners have begun to form a culture around the sport and it seems to be growing in popularity. I feel I have a much deeper understanding of runners a whole. Anybody who runs by choice has the potential of being an extremely motivated and accomplished, athlete, humanitarian, and person. In running your successes and failures are a direct reflection of what you put in and take out of doing so. Runners do what they do for any number of specific reasons. However, ultimately a runner runs for self-satisfaction, pride, defeating challenges, celebrating successes, great experiences, and good will. Maybe people who run 4 miles a day are actually the most sane, instead of the other way around.