Do running and walking really burn the same calories? I know I could never walk as fast as I can run, and I'm even a pretty slow runner. The number I hear thrown around is that running burns 100 calories per mile. According to my bodybugg, I burn a lot more than that running, and my weight loss agrees with my bodybugg. I burn 1.5-2 times as many calories running, depending on if it's an easy run or if I'm really pushing myself.
Perhaps I just don't walk briskly enough, but running definitely works my core and, to a lesser degree, my shoulders. Plus there's the runner's high and all the races with the cool shirts and race bling.
Anecdotally, my knee pain is all but gone since I started running over the summer. The only time I have a problem with it now is related to my other monthly ailments.
Plenty of people lose weight with walking, and running isn't for everyone. I think picking one you'll stick with is more important. Running can take some time to warm up to though. It took me a good 2 months to start enjoying running.