Menu

Menu
Prompts
Contests
Stories
Blog
Directory
Contests
Magazine
FAQ

Start your story with one or two characters going for a run.

Posted in Adventure on Jan 26, 2024

Submissions are closed

Make sure you don't miss our next contest by creating your free Reedsy account.

Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook

Or use an email address:

Why not check out our active contest?

✍️ 37 stories

Morning in Amaseno

Submitted to Contest #235

Monica and Courtney, cousins bound by blood and friendship, embarked on their morning run through the quaint streets of Amaseno, a picturesque Italian village nestled amidst Monti Lepini and olive trees. The cobblestone paths echoed beneath their synchronized strides as they breathed in the crisp morning air, their laughter harmonizing with the chirping of birds. Monica, with her olive skin and espresso-colored eyes, radiated the warmth of her Italian heritage. Born and raised in Amaseno, she knew every corner of the village like the lines...

10 likes 2 comments 2
Read story

Forest Run

Submitted to Contest #235

The green Subaru crunched along the forest service road as the passengers admired the early morning scenery. The sunlight broke through the evergreens that the gravel road cut through, spotlighting the verdant understory.“I really appreciate you helping me train. I couldn’t get my husband to agree to run with me. He’s just not very supportive,” said Sandra.“Not a problem,” answered Katelyn. “If you wanted me to run the whole way with you, I couldn’t. But your idea of meeting along the path is brilliant. It’s been years since I have run more ...

9 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

The Joggers

Submitted to Contest #235

TW: substance abuse, gore “Don’t you see them?” Esmeralda asked, as she twirled an unlit cigarette between her thumb and index finger.  She and her friend Lucy lounged on an outdated, wraparound couch in her grandma’s 1970s designed home. Despite the age of the décor and furniture, everything was in pristine condition, a time capsule of that era. It was foggy outside, but Esmeralda could still see the two teens jogging as clear as day, just across the street, where they always jogged in place and in unison. They wore thigh-high jog...

9 likes 1 comment 1
Read story

Run to the Darkness

Submitted to Contest #235

Step. Step. Breath. Step. Step. Breath. Step. Step. Breath.  The pattern Layrin had told her to follow while running had gotten her this far. With luck, it would get her at least 2 more miles. 2 more miles, and all traces of humanity would be far out of sight. 2 more miles, and she could forget where she was.  Whens she turned 18 she felt something shift. She began to detest the large concrete cities around her. She began to hate the hustle and bustle. Crowds lit fires of rage in her soul. She found peace only in the woods. She lon...

9 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

Distracted

Submitted to Contest #235

My feet pound into the ground and sweat trickles down my face and my neck. A smile creeps across my lips as I begin mile five. My runner’s high is kicking in, my body feels charged, not tired. I can feel the redness in my cheeks, my fingers begin to tingle, my knees feel like they have springs in them, I can literally feel joy in my feet spreading to all ten toes.There isn’t a cloud in sight and the sun is piercing my back in the best possible way. The first run of spring is easily the most glorious one every year. By the time summer hits I’...

9 likes 2 comments 2
Read story

Run

Submitted to Contest #235

Jenna swung her brand-new Jeep Cherokee into the dirt parking lot of the visitor’s center. It was 7:02 a.m. and the warm sun was peeking through the trees that loomed above the parking spot she had chosen. It looked like the weather forecast was accurate for possibly the first time this spring.  She smiled; it was indeed going to be a gorgeous day.  Jenna had parked close to the trail head although she really had her pick of spots. The lot was surprisingly empty for a Sunday, but it was still early in the day and based on...

9 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

The Four Seasons

Submitted to Contest #235

This is my favorite time of year to run in the Park. The sweet, fresh scent of Kwanzan and Yoshino cherry blossom trees fills my nostrils as their branches stretch toward the reservoir basin like long, slender arms, creating a living arch for parkgoers to pass under. Rhododendron Mile is just ahead, where a riot of pink and purple flowers will flank me on either side. The promise of renewal and hope the season brings lifts my spirit after a long, cold winter in the City. Tranquil as it is on the Bridle Path this morning, reminder...

9 likes 1 comment 1
Read story

Run for My Life

Submitted to Contest #235

 The many promises I had made to myself and my friends and relatives during my troubled youth included a vow to get into better financial and physical condition. On this beautiful Sunday morning, I continued the daily running routine I had begun about a month earlier.        As I gently jogged in the fresh air along the road, deserted for the time being except for me, I began to clear my brain of the disturbing sounds from the night before, punctuated by random gunfire, police chases and loud screaming...

9 likes 1 comment 1
Read story

1898 at the Lighthouse - Horses Running Wild

Submitted to Contest #235

Flame, Blaze, and Shadow felt pulses of excitement and bolted across the dunes, hooves flying over the sandy hills. The wind sang in their ears and their hooves almost lifted them off into flight above earth."Let's run and run..... ," is what they might have said if horses could speak.Grabbing mane, pulling on the reins, and yelling, "Whoa," the riders struggled to stay on the horses, who continued to sprint ahead with their eyes shining.Running over the sand dune trail, the horses gave in to their hidden, primitive wild urges.The riders bob...

9 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

Call Me Sean

Submitted to Contest #235

Sean runs down the rear stairs from his small apartment, stopping at the bottom to check his shoelaces. “I’m just going for a run,” he tells himself, as though hearing the words out loud makes his intentions truthful. And in part, what he tells himself is the truth. Sean runs most Saturdays; as the saying goes, rain, hail or shine. Today, however, is different. And Sean knows it. Still, lying to himself is easier than facing the truth. Sean tightens his shoelaces. He raises his left foot, landing the heel of his trainer on the third step f...

9 likes 1 comment 1
Read story

Road Work

Submitted to Contest #235

After experiencing horrible things, a person can sometimes get a feeling of being strangely removed from their body, like as if they’re watching a movie of themself. Someone could be simply standing anywhere at anytime, just doing what they normally do. Then suddenly there’s this feeling of rising above themself, outside themself, like a dream. It is a form of disassociation usually brought on as a response to tremendous shock and trauma. The brain is attempting to protect from overwhelming psychological damage. Like so many times before, ...

9 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

Going the Extra Mile

Submitted to Contest #235

“My palms and feet were sweaty. My heart was racing. I scanned the other racers. Skinny blonde girl with legs for days, a buff looking dude in camo, a little kid maybe eleven, who gave me a dirty, look so I stuck my tongue out at him. There were a lot of serious looking racers, but some jokers too. Some people wore tutus and were singing. I ignored the queasy feeling in my stomach, thinking it was likely just nervous butterflies. Although nervous, I was pretty pumped about running my first 5K with Tammy from accounting.  “Tammy from ac...

9 likes 1 comment 1
Read story

Labyrinth of Shadows: A Rainy Day Encounter

Submitted to Contest #235

 The steady drumming of rain against the pavement set the rhythm for Jake and Emma's morning run. They were committed to their routine, rain or shine, and today was no exception. Dressed in their waterproof gear, they hit the wet streets of the small town, their sneakers creating small splashes with each step. Overhead, the gray sky loomed, and the scent of rain-soaked earth filled the air. Despite the gloomy weather, Jake and Emma found peace in running together. The rhythmic patter of the rain provided a soothing backdrop as they n...

9 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

Jenny's Gift

Submitted to Contest #235

I couldn’t sleep last night, like at all. Zero. I got up before my 5am alarm had a chance to wake my husband. I closed our bedroom door behind me. Put on the running clothes I’d set up in the hall the night before. Crept downstairs, avoiding the squeaky step. Those things aren’t unusual, even though today is . . . uh, “highly unusual” would be putting it lightly.  My eyes got wet as I laced up my sneakers. I sniffed and huffed and rubbed my face vigorously. Enough of that. Enough with the theatrics! Sentimental nonsense. You don’t cry...

9 likes 4 comments 4
Read story

Lucy's Last Run

Submitted to Contest #235

She's putting on her shoes again, the black ones with the bright blue accents so I know exactly what comes next. And that's her blue hat. I know what's going to happen.We run.Out the door and into piercing, ice-cold air but that doesn't particularly matter because we'll warm up. Although... my feet are cold...No matter! I'm still ready to go, go, go! I've always had more energy than mother but that's okay. She's still my favourite person.We're passing my friend's house now, Daisy is her name. She didn't tell me it herself, but her mother did...

8 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

🌟 Similar prompts

Write a story in which a character is running away from something, literally or metaphorically.

Angst – 119 stories

Make a race an important element of your story.

Narrative – 44 stories

Write about a character who suddenly cannot run anymore.

Character – 42 stories

Write a story that includes someone saying, “You can’t run forever.”

Dialogue – 64 stories

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months. Learn more →

How to Write a Novel