Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

The first Olympic marathon may have been held in 1896, but humans have been running long distances for millions of years!

Some scientists think our bodies are highly adapted to running long distances as it was once essential to our survival.

Subscribe for regular science videos: bit.ly/RiSubscRibe

Join this channel to get access to exclusive scientist Q&As:
youtube.com/channel/UCYeF244yNGuFefuFKqxIAXw/join

Listen to the Ri podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ri-science-podcast
Donate to the RI and help us bring you more lectures: rigb.org/support-us/donate-ri
Our editorial policy: rigb.org/editing-ri-talks-and-moderating-comments
Subscribe for the latest science videos: bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Product links on this page may be affiliate links which means it won't cost you any extra but we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through the link.