Let’s see if we’re in it for a long run
By Siti Salihah
Do you ever feel like everyone around you is either getting married, having kids, or training for marathons? It’s intriguing that so many people are suddenly seen training for races. Run clubs are jumping on the bandwagon, posting their journeys—and, apparently, some thirst traps—on social media.
Running, once described as the world’s most accessible sport, was reported to be the most-uploaded sport last year according to Strava, a popular app for athletes. Interestingly, Gen Z is changing the narrative around running; they’re drawn to it more for socialising and mental health benefits than traditional health goals. This might be why running is booming like never before. In a world where mental health and social connections matter more than ever, it just feels natural to get into running.
Still, what’s really driving this surge in running’s popularity?
#1 Post-COVID
During a time when the entire world was put on pause, everyone had to stay indoors. Doors shut. Streets empty. Locked down. This led to a renewed appreciation for the outdoors and physical health post-lockdown. Running, as mentioned, is one of the most straightforward activities to do. It gets you outside and moving; it’s really just that.
#2 Mental health
Running is a fantastic way to release pent-up emotional stress. It’s no surprise that many people find it beneficial for their mental health. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 90.5% of respondents said they run to clear their thoughts. There’s no doubt you feel refreshed after a run!
#3 Technology
Today’s generation crave connection, and the running community’s use of social media to inspire others fits perfectly with how they interact online. Running apps make it easier and more enjoyable to get involved, and smartwatches help people stay active by tracking and setting challenges. You know how they never back down from a good challenge!
#4 Simplicity
It’s running. We all used to run, play tag and catch when we were kids. Nobody needs to be taught how to run. And yes, even though running has been glamorised with its events, races, tech wear, and wearables on social media, it’s really just about you going out and putting one foot in front of the other to get your heart rate up. No fancy stuff—just lace up your shoes and run!
With all the hype around running recently, it’s important to recognize that it’s an old sport (literally). That oddly specific 42.2 km marathon distance? It comes from the legendary story of Pheidippides, an ancient Greek messenger who ran all the way from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a victory! Unfortunately, he collapsed and died shortly after. It’s a wild story that connects today’s runners to a long tradition of pushing limits, ironically unlike Pheidippides, to stay healthy and find peace, both within ourselves and with those around us.
Writer’s Insight
I’ve always considered running my main sport, mostly because I’ve never been great with team sports like netball or basketball. But when COVID-19 hit, and I found myself alone in a foreign country during my first year of university—I turned back to running, obsessively, to keep a healthy mind. And guess what? I was insanely lucky to secure a ballot place for the London Marathon! That’s when running transformed for me. It wasn’t just something I needed to do—it became something I trained for. Boy, was I obsessed! When I was in class, all I could think about was running. When I was running, I’d already be thinking about how many more miles I could log afterward. And when I was done? I’d go home, buzzing, and plan my next run! I was completely absorbed in the runner’s high throughout uni. Honestly, it’s one of the best feelings in the world—and seeing how many people are starting to embrace running these days excites me! I’m genuinely thrilled that more people are experiencing this incredible feeling.
Source: Strava Global Report 2023 , Runner’s World, Statista Research Department, RunRepeat, International Journal of Environmental Research and, Public Health
