Sprinting

Sprinting is a feature in Beta 1.8, which allows the player to run faster, around 5.6 meters/second. This is about 30% faster than the normal walking speed of around 4.3 m/s. The player sprints by double tapping the "Forward" key ( by default) and then holding it. It will be possible to jump across four blocks horizontally (instead of the usual two blocks) by sprinting, however the jump will be no higher than normal. Whilst sprinting, the player is able to clear gaps of one block without jumping.

Sprinting is unlimited as long as the Food Bar is above 30%, but it will also deplete the bar at a rate of 1/2 a food unit every 40 meters, or 7 seconds, as long as the foodSaturationLevel is at 0. When a player sprints, particles will come from the player's feet corresponding to the block type they are running on. When a player attacks any mobs (excluding squid) while sprinting, the mob will fly back.

Sprinting stops when you collide with a solid block, or perform a sneaking action such as blocking. You do not stop sprinting when you run into a mob. Attacking a mob will stop your sprint, but breaking a block will not. In addition, the player will not be set on fire when you run through up to four consecutive blocks of fire (the fifth block will ignite the player). It is possible to make turns with the "Left" and "Right" keys (by default, and  respectively) while sprinting without slowing down, thus altering the direction of where you go.

After switching in the "sprinting state" the field of view also slightly changes (increases FOV by 20) and the camera moves back to give the player more view of the terrain.

Bugs

 * Sprinting and jumping while in a 2 block high tunnel or house will cause a speed almost twice as high as regular sprinting speed. This is rather inefficient however, as this can easily drain food at a rate of about 1 unit per second.
 * Doing the same as above, except above Ice allows the player to move at an astonishing 16 blocks per second. That is twice as fast as a full speed minecart on powered rails.
 * Doing the same as above but with trapdoors just above the ice, one can travel 1000 blocks in 54 seconds (18.518 blocks per second).
 * When sprinting on unusual level surfaces (like repeaters) it is possible to sink 1 block into the ground.
 * When sprinting, you can run over one block wide gaps. It is unknown whether or not this is a bug.
 * Water does not stop you from sprinting, but you don't move noticeably faster than normal while in the water.