Runners always have 'running' as a like. Villagers can also have running as a dislike - they'll creep around the village at glacial speed even as children.

In previous VV's, likes/dislikes didn't pass down to children, so there's simply a random chance for each child to have it (regardless of the parents' likes).

There are a couple of events that will add 'running' to a villager's likes if you choose the right option, though.