Do Elephants run or do they just walk really, really fast? That's the question John Hutchinson sought to find out; now he has the answer. According to their findings, elephants may be no cheetah, but their graceful steps is considered as running.

What is running, Hutchinson asks. It is when all four feet (in our case, two) are off the ground. Elephants have pogo stick-like legs that releases its energy at the right time; much like jumping. This is what categorizes them as runners in their own right.

How do you differentiate a runner from a walker? Runners are bouncy-legged (dogs, cheetas), while the walkers have stiff legs. The elephants belong to the first group. At their top speed, elephants always keep one or two feet on the ground. However, there are bouncy animals without leaving the ground. Birds, insects and the like are examples of these. 

Why is it important to know if they run at all? According to him, it gives them an idea how dinosaurs might have moved. It's also helpful to know that the elephants and humans share one thing in common. Both stand and move with straight legs, the proportions and anatomy of thighs, shank and feet are alike. This may give some answers about obesity and arthritis. In the future, giant robots will base their locomotion on elephant studies. 

Finally, the issue is laid to rest and the elephants can finally pride themselves as the largest animals that can run in the world.