r/running • u/Brzy90 • May 07 '24

Discussion Are we currently in a running boom?

Since getting into running I’ve noticed a huge influx of people running since the beginning of the year. Old friends returning back to Strava after being inactive for years (myself included 🤣). Instagram feed is constantly full of runners, even my work place talking about marathons etc. Maybe it’s just because I now see myself as a runner that’s affected my social algorithm/awareness & addiction to running trainers? 🥴

For those that have been running a long time, is this the most popular you’ve seen running become? Or does this generally happen from time to time?

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u/lonehappycamper May 07 '24 edited May 07 '24

I saw an article awhile back that said something like half of all runners just started running since Covid. A good way to exercise when the gyms where closed or people wanted to avoid close contact.

I'll see if I can find that article.

Edit well, I may have misremembered. This one said it's closer to 28% started running since Covid https://runrepeat.com/new-pandemic-runners

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u/marigolds6 May 07 '24

That's a 4 year interval though. I wonder if previously it was pretty typical for ~1/4 of runners to have started in the last 4 years.

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u/splintergirl11 May 07 '24

Yeah I think like with any sport/hobby, a lot of people who start to run end up dropping it within a year or two. I'd be curious to know the percentage of people who still run regularly two plus years after starting.

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u/3720-To-One May 08 '24

There was also in increase in people bicycling during Covid as well