大象传媒

Writer, Poet and Runner Helen Mort tracks a history of running, from prehistoric times to present day to chart the development of humanity's relationship with running.

In this episode, Helen examines the role running played in societies from Europe's Dark Ages to the early 20th century. She'll be finding out who the runners were, what inspired them to ran, and the impact it made on their social status.

Helen will discover the surprising religious origins of Britain's modern-day position in global athletics. She'll chart the ups and downs of the participation and perception of women runners. And she'll learn how 17th century foot messengers became a powerful tool in the struggle between indigenous North Americans and European colonisers.

Interviewees:
Neil Baxter - Sociologist and running historian
Sam Edwards - Historian, Loughborough University
Bill Hillmann - Bull runner and writer
Katie Holmes - Women's running historian
Dustin Martin - Executive Director of Wings of America
Peter Radford - Olympian and sports historian
Roger Robinson - Runner and author of 'Running in Literature'

Thanks to Thor Gotaas, author of 'Running: A Global History'

Producer: Becca Bryers