I was scrolling through my feed when I stumbled upon a meme that instantly made me laugh out loud: “Running was invented in 1748 by Thomas Running, who tried to ‘walk twice at the same time.'” Wait, what? The absurdity of attributing running to a specific person and year was too much. But the more I thought about it, the funnier it got.
If you’ve seen the “When Was Running Invented” meme, you’re probably wondering what’s behind this hilarious and completely fictitious claim. Well, let’s break down the meme, its origins, and the real history of running.
What’s the Deal with the “When Was Running Invented” Meme?
The “When Was Running Invented” meme is built around a humorous premise: that running was somehow invented in 1748 by a man named Thomas Running. The meme, of course, is a joke. The absurdity of suggesting that something as natural as running could be invented by a single person at a specific time is what makes the meme so funny.
The meme takes the concept of “invention” to an extreme, attributing it to an instinctive human action. This idea of an “inventor” for such a basic part of life is laughable, and that’s exactly why it went viral.
Why Did This Meme Go Viral?
Memes like this thrive because they make something simple feel extraordinary. The idea that running was invented is a punchline to the absurdity of attributing an everyday act to a single moment in time. It taps into the internet’s love for exaggeration and ridiculous humor—and when you pair it with the comical “Thomas Running” character, it becomes a hit.
The Real History of Running: No Invention Needed
Image source: Fast Talk Labs
Was Running Actually “Invented”?
No, running wasn’t invented. It’s a natural form of locomotion that humans and many animals have been capable of for millions of years. Running didn’t start in 1748 or any other particular time—it’s an essential part of human biology.
In fact, humans are naturally built to run. The adaptation for running likely evolved over two million years ago. Early humans needed to run to hunt, escape predators, or travel long distances. Running is one of the most primal forms of human movement, not something that could have been “invented” by a single person.
The Origins of Competitive Running
Although running wasn’t invented, competitive running certainly has a historical beginning. The first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BCE featured foot races, which are considered the origins of organized running competitions. These events laid the groundwork for the competitive running we know today.
As for running as a fitness activity, that gained popularity in the 1960s, particularly thanks to figures like Bill Bowerman—who co-founded Nike and helped turn running into a global fitness craze. So while running wasn’t “invented” by Thomas Running, it did become a major part of sports culture and exercise in modern times.
How to Have Fun with the “When Was Running Invented” Meme
Can I Create My Own Version?
Absolutely! The beauty of the “When Was Running Invented?” meme is how easy it is to personalize. Here’s how you can get creative with it:
- Pick Your “Inventor”: Instead of Thomas Running, use famous characters, historical figures, or even animals. The more absurd, the better!
- Pair with a Funny Image: The image or GIF that accompanies your meme should emphasize the absurdity of the claim. Think of a funny character or something completely unrelated to running.
- Add Your Twist: You could say, “Running was invented in 1842 by Steve Sprint when he raced a cheetah on foot.” The weirder, the funnier!
By using meme generators or tools like Imgflip and Meme Generator, you can create your own versions and share them with friends. It’s the perfect way to join the meme trend while showcasing your creativity.
What’s the Best Way to Share It?
Once you’ve created your meme, don’t just keep it to yourself! Share it across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Use hashtags like #WhenWasRunningInvented or #ThomasRunning to join the conversation and get more eyes on your meme. The more absurd and relatable it is, the more likely it is to go viral.
FAQ: About the “When Was Running Invented” Meme
Why Do People Say Running Was Invented?
The meme is a playful and absurd exaggeration. It makes fun of how we often attribute human achievements to specific moments in history when, in reality, running is as old as humanity itself.
Is There Any Truth to the Meme?
No, running wasn’t invented by anyone. It’s a natural part of human movement that has been around for millions of years. The meme simply uses humor to suggest that something as basic as running could be “invented.”
How Can I Join in on the Meme Trend?
You can create your own meme by following the steps above. Pick an unexpected “inventor” for running, pair it with a funny image, and share it on your favorite social media platforms. The more creative, the better!
Is There a History of Running as a Sport?
Yes, competitive running dates back to the first Olympic Games in 776 BCE, where foot races were featured. Running for fitness became more popular in the 1960s when figures like Bill Bowerman helped bring running into mainstream culture.
A Final Thought: The Absurdity of Running’s “Invention”
Why This Meme Will Keep Going Strong
The “When Was Running Invented?” meme is here to stay because it taps into a universal experience: the absurdity of overthinking natural human actions. The joke of attributing an everyday activity like running to a specific year or person is just too funny to resist.
So, the next time you’re lacing up your sneakers for a run, remember: no one “invented” it, but it sure does make for one hilarious meme. Keep sharing, creating, and laughing—because memes like these are what make the internet so fun.
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