There are so many things in life that divide us, that separate us

In the grand and often tumultuous tapestry of human existence, there are many forces that seek to divide and separate us—whether by race, religion, nationality, creed, or socioeconomic status. The wise words of Dean Karnazes, "There are so many things in life that divide us, that separate us and tear us apart, be it race, religion, creed, socioeconomic level, nationality or any variety of other factors. But running is something that we all share in common," remind us of a universal truth: that despite the myriad of differences that exist between us, there is something as simple and fundamental as the act of running that can unite us all. Running, in its purest form, transcends the barriers we create and offers us a shared experience that connects us to the very essence of life and humanity.

This truth has echoed through the ages, as the ancients understood that some actions—some pursuits—bring people together, regardless of their background. Consider the ancient Olympic Games, where men and women from different Greek city-states gathered to compete in the spirit of unity and honor. Despite the differences in their citizenship, culture, or political alliances, these athletes came together for a single, shared purpose: the celebration of strength, endurance, and the human spirit. The ancient Greeks believed in the power of physical competition to forge a sense of brotherhood—one that united even the fiercest of rivals. They understood, as Karnazes does, that physical effort, in the form of running or other athletic endeavors, can erase the boundaries of tribalism and bring all people into a common sphere.

The human body, when engaged in the act of running, experiences something unique. It is a moment where individual differences fade, and all that remains is the shared rhythm of movement, the shared effort of putting one foot in front of the other, the shared desire to push forward. The physicality of running is an act of connection—first with our own bodies, and then, as we move in solidarity with others, with the larger human family. Running, like a river that cuts through the landscape, has no regard for the land it crosses, just as human effort has no regard for the artificial divides we create. It is a shared language of resilience, determination, and endurance.

In the story of Zacharias and the Marathon, we see the deep historical roots of running as a unifier. The ancient Greeks told the tale of a messenger, Pheidippides, who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of victory over the Persians. Though Pheidippides was a simple soldier, his effort transcended his status—he became a symbol of the unity of the Greek city-states, the embodiment of the collective will to survive and conquer. His journey was not just a run; it was a sacred act that bridged the gap between life and death, between defeat and victory. In this tale, we see how running carried a message not only of physical endurance but of the spiritual unity of a people fighting for their very survival.

Karnazes' words also echo a more modern truth. In our current age, where the divisions between us seem more pronounced than ever, where borders are drawn in ways that create friction, running stands as a universal language. Marathons and running events across the world bring together people from all walks of life—regardless of their backgrounds, their countries of origin, or their beliefs. They come together, not to compete as adversaries, but to run alongside one another in pursuit of a shared goal: the completion of the race. Whether in the streets of New York, the deserts of Africa, or the hills of Tokyo, runners experience the same challenges, the same pain, and the same elation. The track may be different, but the experience is the same, for it is the universal pursuit of human strength, spirit, and perseverance.

The lesson in Karnazes’s words lies in the realization that in our everyday lives, we often focus on the things that divide us. Our differences—though meaningful and a part of our identities—often lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and division. Yet, the pursuit of running, or any physical effort that requires endurance, teaches us that we are united by the very same human instincts. We all share the capacity for struggle, for growth, and for achievement, and it is in these moments of shared effort that we find common ground. The act of running becomes a metaphor for life itself: we each have our own journey, but the path forward can be easier, more fulfilling, and more meaningful when we run it together.

In our lives, let us follow Karnazes' wisdom and strive to find commonality in the human experience. Let us acknowledge the barriers that separate us—be it race, religion, or belief—but let us also embrace the shared endeavors that unite us. Whether through sports, service, or community efforts, let us recognize that the more we focus on what connects us, the more we create a world of understanding, peace, and cooperation. By running together, whether literally or metaphorically, we find strength not only in our own efforts but in the solidarity of our fellow human beings. Let us, therefore, embrace the unity of our shared experience and take the steps toward a world that is more connected than divided.