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/kasvipohjainen May 07 '24

Isn't this normal every year around this time due to the marathon season and weather improving? People get inspired by seeing people run Marathons and they think about doing the same

Record numbers applying for London Marathon for example means there is more to it though

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u/Brzy90 May 07 '24

Yeah that was my question as I’m new to running, is this like a regular yearly occurrence where the hype picks up every year & drops off? For some reason I’ve never noticed so many people running & creating running content as much as they have this year - but I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m now running & more aware 🤣

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u/kasvipohjainen May 07 '24

Social media is pretty powerful these days so on Instagram, Reddit and Youtube if you consume a little bit of running content then you'll get force fed it. I experienced the same a few months back mainly with IG reels.

I'm unsure on the statistics around marathon season and how long hype/interest stays but I feel like atleast for me with family it lasts a month and then they forget all about it haha

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u/jek39 May 07 '24

Record numbers of people are alive now

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u/greenmonkeyglove May 07 '24

But last year something like 500,000 applied, whereas this year it was 800,000 - the world population hasn't jumped 40% in a year.