It is hypothesized that the ancestors of humankind 🧬 developed the ability to run for long distances ⟶ about 2.6 million years ago, probably to hunt animals 🤯. Competitive running 👟 grew out of religious 🙏🏽 festivals in various areas. Records of competitive racing date back to the Tailteann Games in Ireland 🇮🇪 between 632 BCE and 1171 BCE, while the first recorded Olympic Games 🏅 took place in 776 BCE. Running 👟 has been described as the world's most accessible sport.