The “Running In” statue, a bronze representation of three oil workers, has been present in West Edmonton Mall since its Phase Two expansion in 1983.
The sculpture is by Robin Bell [ website ], who in fact was familiar with the subject matter. According to his comments on the statue, he worked in the Alberta oil sector to help fund a trip to Italy (which he wanted to take for purposes relating to his art).
The sculpture has three stages of man, with the eldest in dress which would be common when Oil was first struck in Alberta. All three have different and unique surface qualities.
The sculpture currently resides just outside of the Phase One food court.
The “Running In” statue as it used to appear, at ground-level. 
The “Running In” statue as it appears today
bestedmontonmall.com 