The Art of Running

Today I am going to make the case that running is an art form. Yes, running is a sport, an activity, a form of exercise, but I believe it is also an art form. Running can entertain, inspire, move, or even repulse us.

The video on the left is from the classic movie "Chariots of Fire." In this instance, running is showing us a graceful form. It's something beautiful to behold.

Of course it helps that there is a Vangelis soundtrack associated with this clip. Still as you watch the runners you understand they are training, but they are doing it with style, ease and grace.

Every four years we marvel at the stunning abilities of Olympic athletes from around the world. These are men and women who train most of their lives for a shot at glory. It can be exciting and sad to watch. We are moved by the performance of these athletes.

One of the greatest runners in the world is Paula Radcliffe. Radcliffe has been a top marathoner for several years, but Olympic glory has eluded here. In the Athens 2004 Games, Radcliffe got sick during the marathon, and eventually had to end her quest. In Bejing 2008, again, there was heartache as Radcliffe suffered injuries and pushed through. In watching her 2008 performance, the audience is moved as a determined Radcliffe struggles to finish.

If there is agony of defeat, we thrill when watching victory. As an audience we love to root for the one from behind to win it all. The 800m final for the 2008 US Olympic Trails is one of the most dramatic races you will ever see. Nick Symmonds is boxed in the back, but his last lap is stirring and thrilling. Watching Andrew Wheating also push from the back to make the team is spectacular. Christian Smith dive to make the team completes the emotionally exciting run.

Running can make us laugh. If you have attended a marathon, no doubt you have seen costumed runners. You can't help but smile as you see a banana pass by. When I work with runners, so many of them think they look silly when they run. They don't. At least they don't compared to these guys...

I haven't even touched on running form. How often have we seen a Greek statue of a runner. The sheer beauty of the form moves us. Kenyans are called graceful or gazelle like. This is art. It starts with a person, but it turns into something else. It can look like a statue, it can be a sitcom, or it can just be a real life painting. Running, like art, generates emotions, be it laughter, tears, or joy.

Charlie