Born to Run the Great North Run

Could running actually slow ageing and prevent disease? On Friday evening, ahead of the AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend, we were joined by Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman for a one of it’s kind lecture as he dived into the science behind why, as humans, we were born to run.

Known for his groundbreaking research on human movement and evolution, Professor Lieberman is internationally recognised as one of the foremost experts on the evolution of human movement. His pioneering research has transformed understanding of how and why the human body evolved to walk, run, and stay active.

In Friday’s lecture, Born to Run The Great North Run (and why it’s healthy), he explored the paradox that while humans did not evolve to exercise, physical activity has never been more vital. Drawing on evolutionary science, he makes a compelling case for why movement should remain central to our health and everyday lives.

Missed it? You can watch the full video here:

Professor Daniel E. Lieberman is a professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. Lieberman’s work combines anthropology, anatomy, biomechanics, and evolutionary theory to explore the deep history of human locomotion. He argues that many modern health problems stem from a mismatch between our active evolutionary past and today’s sedentary lifestyles. Through his books and research, Lieberman promotes the idea that movement is not just natural but essential for human health.