futás

Futás is the act of running, a form of locomotion in which a person moves forward by alternating leg drive and a period of flight, typically at various speeds. In Hungarian usage, futás also denotes both the sport of running and general recreational running, from easy jogs to competitive races. Running is practiced worldwide and encompasses a range of disciplines and distances.

Historically, running is one of humanity's oldest forms of movement and a core component of many athletic traditions. In modern sport, it ranges from sprint events on the track to cross-country and road races. Recreational running remains popular for fitness, weight management, and mental well-being, with communities and clubs organized around training and events.

Common categories include sprinting (short distances such as 100–400 meters), middle-distance events (800–1500 meters), and long-distance or endurance running (5 kilometers to marathons and beyond). Trail running and ultrarunning cover off-road and ultra-distance formats. Training typically combines easy base mileage with workouts such as intervals, tempo runs, and fartlek sessions, plus adequate rest and recovery. Proper technique favors an upright posture, relaxed shoulders, a cadence that matches the pace, and a midfoot or forefoot landing depending on the runner and surface.

Equipment is modest: suitable running shoes chosen for foot type and surface, lightweight clothing, and sometimes supports or braces for injury-prone joints. Footwear and surfaces influence injury risk, so progression and rest are important. Common injuries include overuse injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and tendinopathies.

Health effects of futás include improved cardiovascular fitness, metabolic health, and mood. Risks come mainly from overuse, inadequate warm-ups, or sudden increases in training volume. Competitions are organized worldwide, with track championships, road races, and marathons attracting participants of various ages and abilities.