#10 Year Challenge: Running today – how it has changed
As part of the National Running Show 2020, our Head of Operations, Dan Isherwood, led an insightful talk, sharing fascinating facts on how the running market has evolved, what we expect from our fitness and where we are headed in the future.
A 10 year running review and take on the Facebook challenge… read on to find out more on how running has changed.
Today’s runner...
Just as the recent Facebook challenge had many of us posting pictures of how we looked 10 years ago, compared to how we are today, the image of how a current runner looks is very different to the 2010 version.
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 changes…
- There are more of us
Many more in fact… 7 million run at least twice a month with 12 million other occasional or potential runners to encourage to run more often.
In 2010, there were 2 million people who ran at least once a week. 10 years on that number is closer to 6 million. There are also now 180,000 England Athletics registered athletes, an increase of a staggering 70,000 since 2010.
- There are more women
Of those 7 million regular runners, almost half are women – significantly more than 2010 when just 40% were women. Numbers continue to grow with 50% of those who describe themselves as occasional / potential runners being women too.
- There are more options to run
The past decade has seen growth in the phenomenon that is parkrun with 2.5 million people completing over 35 million walks, jogs and runs at UK parkrun events between them. 2010 also saw the first obstacle races emerge, providing runners with a much more varied selection of events than ever before. Throw in the booming trend of trail running, which didn’t even exist 10 years ago, and you have a very positive picture indeed.
For all the traditionalists, there’s also good news – there are now 4,000 licensed road races across the UK, 2,000 more than in 2010. The London Marathon has seen entries increase by over 10,000 in the last decade too.
- It’s easy to run
Our data confirms something we probably all know; running is a simple sport to get involved with. Interestingly, it does also confirm we’re still creatures of habit with 49% of solo runners sticking to the same route every time they run. The good news is that apps such as Strava have helped people stay motivated. Founded in 2009, Strava now has 48 million users worldwide and during 2019, runners in the UK logged over 330 million kilometres using the app.
Our RunTogether app also makes it easy and fun to run – the free to download app is accessible on IOS and Android, and allows people to search for runs and running groups near them in just a few clicks – #BookCheckInRun it couldn’t be easier!
- And when we do, we like to run with friends
This is a statistic with some big numbers, which filter down to one thing: running with others helps to develop the running bug. Nearly two-thirds of runners who run with other people do so on a regular basis. 39% of regular group runners have increased how often they run in the last 12 months compared to 28% of solo runners.
17% of Group runners were also more likely to ‘love’ running than solo only runners (11%). That’s why our RunTogether programme has grown quickly over the past 2 years – with 2,325 Running Groups registered to date, over 170,000 runs created, 116,000 runners registered (87,500 women), 1.14 million bookings taken, and 655,000 attendances recorded – have you joined us on a RunTogether run yet?
Click this link to find out more and search for groups near you
In addition, the number of England Athletics Affiliated Running Clubs has increased by 300 over the past 10 years – big numbers!
Click this link to search for clubs near you
- Running makes you happier
It’s all positive; runners and the public as a whole recognise that running is good for your mental health. Running appears to become more important for emotional health and wellbeing as we get older (63% of 11 to 15-year olds agreed with this, whilst 77% of those 35+ agreed). Two thirds of runners agreed they do so for relaxation and stress reduction (64%). Plenty to think about, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Check out our RunTogether community on social media – a hub of happy running activity!
- Recognising weaknesses
Interestingly, and despite the huge growth, many of us still feel that running is ‘too hard’, ‘boring’ and even those of who run regularly agree, with just 15% of runners saying they love it! Something for us to recognise and debate…
Lots of our RunTogether groups offer runs for different levels and abilities, including lots of Couch to 5K support to get you going. We also have lots of useful running support and advice on our RunTogether website – take a look.
- Running is just part of the mix
Very few people just run. On average someone that runs twice a month will also participate in two other activities on a weekly basis. The more regularly one runs the more other activities they take part in. People who run with other people are more likely to participate in other sports too. Football, gym, walking, cycling and swimming are all popular with runners.
- Tech trends
Gone are the days of a stopwatch, your wristwatch or clock by the front door! The rise of technology means 58% of runners are now using some form of technology whilst running – a trend that has only really started in the last 10 years. More regular runners and runners who also run in events are more likely to use technology.
- We’re spending more
And not just because things are more expensive! Runners are willing to invest time and cash in their sport like never before, meaning the average annual spend on running kit and equipment is £100 – a number which significantly increases the more dedicated you become.
Supporting information and download
Click here to view and download the #10 Year Challenge document - pdf 886KB