What does it mean to run a kite?

Answer 1

To get the kite up in the air far enough for the wind to take it, rather than being subject to ground turbulence, someone usually has to run fast while letting out string so the kite can get higher. More applicable when there is very little wind near the ground (under 50 feet or so), but also applicable in and near cities (especially cities like Chicago) where buildings channel wind in gusts and crosswinds that make the kite very difficult to fly with any kind of stability until you can get it above most of that turbulence. IMPORTANT NOTE: DON'T FLY KITES WITHIN 200 YARDS OF POWER LINES! Also, beware of kite eating trees (just ask Charlie Brown)