NPR's A Martinez talks to running coach Martin Dugard about his new book, "The Long Run," which details the growth of major marathon races and the cultural shifts that made running popular.

You need to do stretching and mobility exercises to gain an advantage when you run because your muscles and joints go through a full range of motion during a stride, Christi Thompson, UESCA Ultra Running coach and master flexologist at StretchLab, tells Runner’s World.

It’s almost that time of year again - one of the standout days on the London calendar is fast approaching, and it’s set to be a big one. With more than 59,000 runners expected at the Start line in Greenwich on Sunday — after a record-breaking 1.

Too busy being first to finish first. A runner in Delaware was steps away from winning a marathon — only to get left in the dust when a rival racer blew right past him at the finish line after he celebrated a few seconds too early.

With major physical and mental benefits—and few barriers to entry—running is one of the most rewarding sports to start.