The Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine at Hope College will feature the address “Barefoot and Minimalist Running: Is Less Really More?” by Dr. Paul Langer on Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m. in Winants Auditorium of Graves Hall.

The public is invited.  Admission is free.

The lecture will review the scientific research on running gait, the effects of footwear and the differences between running with conventional shoes and barefoot.  The lecture will feature high-definition, slow-motion video illustrating the differences between running gait in shoes and barefoot.  Langer’s perspective combines his clinical experience treating injured runners with his experiences in running retail and his personal experience with minimalist running as part of a training program.  

Langer specializes in lower extremity sports medicine and surgery and serves as an adjunct clinical faculty member at the University of Minnesota Medical School in addition to being in group practice with Twin Cities Orthopedics.  He has served on the medical staff and lectured at international sporting events including China’s Gobi March and the Boston Marathon.  He is a clinical advisory board member for the American Running Association and is on the editorial board of “Running & FitNews.” He has lectured nationally on biomechanics, running injuries and athletic footwear, is a published author and has been featured in media including “Runner’s World,” “Running Times,” the “New York Times” and others.  He has been an avid runner for 20 years and has completed 26 marathons and an Ironman triathlon.

The Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine is designed for health care professionals with an interest in physically active patients, and is intended for students, educators and clinicians alike. It is co-sponsored by Shoreline Orthopaedics, Holland Hospital Rehabilitation Services, The Bone and Joint Center, and the college.

Langer’s presentation is the final address in the series during the current school year.  Additional information about the series may be found online at 

https://hope.edu/academic/kinesiology/athtrain/dlssm/index.html 

Graves Hall is located at 263 College Ave., on College Avenue between 10th and 12th streets.