My interest over the running tradition in the Americas native societies was awakened by the Indians domination in trail ultramarathons. In the United States, there are four main 100 miles trail ultramarathons (Old Dominion, Western States, Leadville e Wasatch) that are usually won by natives, most them wearing their manual made traditional sandals. These Indians descend from the traditional running couriers, before the European colonization. 

Since the native societies didn't have horses, the running couriers system was crucial and was used by many pre-Colombian nations like the Incas, Mayas, Aztecs, Iroquois, among others. The couriers preparation, which began at childhood, could be compared to the modern professional athletes training. They were able to run distances from 160 to 320 km in just one day!

The relay running couriers system was used both by the vast Inca Empire with more their 4,000 km road system from Chile to Ecuador, as well as by the Iroquois, in the east of US, to connect the nations of their confederation.

But wasn't running a sport activity? Yes, it was! There were also running competitions in the native societies from the cold Alaska to the scalding deserts. Even in the most freezing areas of Alaska, the Eskimos did short races to during the 14 days ritual in January. 

Source: http://www.peabody.harvard.edu/mcnh_running/default.html

Based on the book: