While it is true that there are no contemporary examples of humans hunting with endurance running, it is important to remember that our ancestors lived in a very different environment than we do today. In the savannahs of Africa, where early hominids evolved, large game animals were much more abundant and competition with other predators was fierce. It is possible that our ancestors developed the ability to run long distances as a means of chasing prey until it became exhausted, allowing them to deliver a killing blow with a weapon or their bare hands.

Additionally, while it is true that hominids were making tools by the time they developed to subsist on meat, it is important to remember that the development of technology is a gradual process. It is possible that early hominids were using simple tools like rocks to scavenge for meat before developing more sophisticated weapons like spears and knives.

As for the argument that hominids wouldn't waste energy running if they had access to primitive weaponry, it is important to remember that hunting strategies are often shaped by a variety of factors, including the behavior of the prey species and the environment in which the hunt takes place. In some cases, chasing prey over long distances may have been the most effective strategy available to our ancestors.

Finally, while it is true that the low pH of our stomach acid suggests that our ancestors were not relying on rotten meat as a primary food source, it is important to remember that scavenging for meat was likely an important part of their diet. It is also possible that the ability to run long distances gave our ancestors an advantage in scavenging for meat, as they could cover greater distances in search of carrion.

In conclusion, while the persistence running hypothesis may not be the only explanation for how early hominids acquired meat, it is a compelling hypothesis based on a range of biological and anthropological evidence. It is important to consider multiple hypotheses when trying to understand the behavior of our ancestors, and to remain open to new evidence and alternative interpretations.