At your place, get ready, run. For centuries man has run competitively. This sport has been around as long as any other and has evolved over time. Since the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, running has been the center of important competitions (“Ancient Olympic Games”). From the Olympics to high school track meets, from trails to treadmills and from one mile to 22 miles, running is part of competition everywhere. The benefits of running are endless and continue to prove that runners are in the best state of health. Running has evolved into many variations, and each variation remains one of the best ways to stay optimally healthy. Competitive running dates back to ancient Greece. The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia, originally created as a place of worship (“Ancient Olympic Games”). Unlike today, religion played an important role in games. At its center, Olympia was home to the Temple of Zeus. Ceremonies were held for both Zeus and Pelops, the founder of the games (“Ancient Olympic Games”). The Olympic Games have now evolved and moved away from the original ties to religion. However the events themselves are still tied to these early games. Running was the centerpiece of these games, as it is now of today's Summer Olympics. The original games included a stadium race, which is equivalent to today's 200-meter dash. Another race dating back to Olympia is the Diaulos, the equivalent of a 400 meter race (“Ancient Olympic Games”). Although the Olympic Games have evolved, running competitively, some specific events can be traced back to the original games. Since those first games, the Olympics have grown immensely. The first games consisted of a single day of competition (“Ancient Olympic Games”). Now the summer......middle of paper......cite lawsuit. These many variations and benefits of competitive running give new meaning to the saying "run for your life." Works Cited "Ancient Olympic Games". First Olympics in Olympia. Np, nd Web. November 06, 2013."Athletics." Olympics. Np, nd Web. 09 November 2013. Burfoot, Amby. Runner's World Complete book on running: everything you need to know to run for fun, fitness and competition. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 1997. Print."By The Numbers." According to the numbers. Np, nd Web. November 9, 2013."The Color Run™ – Who We Are." The Color Run About Us Comments. Np, nd Web. 09Nov. 2013.Liberman, Art, Randy Brown and Eileen Myers. The Everything Running Book: The Ultimate Guide to Injury-Free Running for Fitness and Competition. Avon, MA:Adams Meda, 2012. Print."London 2012 27 July - 12 August." London 2012 Summer Olympics. Np, nd Web.09 Nov. 2013.