Chi running is both a philosophy and a technique of running. It is becoming increasing popular within the running community. It was originally developed by a Tai Chi practitioner and ultramarthon runner, Danny Dreyer. The New Balance Running Shoe Company considers the popularity of it to be so great they developed the Chi running shoe.

As a technique of running, Chi running uses more of a midfoot strike. This is considered to place less stress on the knee and be a more efficient way of running compared to the traditional heel strike running. This is supposed to allow the runner to more float over the road rather than fight aganist the road. The claim that this method of running is less likely to result in the runner getting and injury, but no research has actually yet shown that. There is also some evidence that trying to changes a runners running style may increase energy consumption, so there may be no benefit or even a negative in even trying to change the running style. There is some evidence on the differences between Chi running and heel strike running, but that data does not show that one is better than the other.

As a philosophy, Chi running attempts to combine with the underpinning of Tai Chi and Pilates. The runner should try to be at one with the road and have a more spiritual experience. The upshot of all this is that the running or training experience is supposed to be a more enjoyable and relaxing experience rather than just a chore. Chi runners can become somewhat fanatical about the experience and benefits.