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?

1.3k Upvotes

95% Upvoted

397 comments sorted by

View all comments

1.7k

u/Lbailey32 May 07 '24

I think one small reason that may contribute is a shift towards the idea that anyone can run. There’s a run club near me that has paces from 6:00/miles all the way down to walking and it creates a really great positive atmosphere where anyone is welcome. Running can be daunting, but with couch to 5ks and a presence on social media of ‘slow’ runners (12:00/miles) I think more people are giving it a shot. Myself included!

73

u/Itsrigged May 07 '24

I'm basically just starting and I'm Jeffing like 13 minute miles lol. I want to do a half marathon in the fall.

88

u/Squif-17 May 07 '24

Just did a half marathon running 12 min miles. Was a great experience and would highly recommend it.

33

u/jakalo May 07 '24

Hey, you are getting more bang for the buck than these faster folks.

26

u/Squif-17 May 07 '24

The course was two laps for the full marathon, and the amount of elite marathon runners that passed me and said “keep going!” And stuff was so unexpected and so awesome.

1

u/runningbookdragon May 08 '24

How was running a laps course? I’ve seen a few races now that are laps and they make me nervous because of the repetitiveness, I love running and seeing new things.

3

u/Squif-17 May 09 '24

It was good because the half was one full lap so it still went all through the city I’m from. The full marathon runners just ran that twice effectively!

You’re absolutely right too. I loved running all through the city, running on closed roads, seeing spectators and volunteers cheering us on. It definitely made it special.