John Gill Commentary 2 Samuel 18:23

"But come what may, [said he], I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite." — 2 Samuel 18:23 (ASV)

But howsoever ([said he]) let me run Be it as it may, I beg I may have leave; and being so very importunate, it was granted:

and he said unto him, run ; since he would take no denial:

then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi ; who ran by the way of the mountains; which though the shorter way, that through the plain was easiest, and soonest run, though the longest.