SportsShoes Running Report: Running Statistics 2025

Over the last 12 months interest in running has once again been on the increase. Strava’s 2024 Year In Sport report shows a 9% rise in races being logged, while our own research reveals that over a quarter of Brits now run at least one to three times per week—that’s 5% more than this time last year. 
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We live and breathe running, so to us there is nothing more interesting than diving into the data and trends to reveal how we’re running, why we’re running and how we’re all feeling about running.  
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This is the second year we’re publishing our SportsShoes Running Report, a hefty piece of research that details the running landscape and industry for 2025. 
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In this year’s report, we talk about trends, competitive running, safety and running aspirations. So, if you're a seasoned runner or are just considering lacing up those trainers for the first time, we hope you find the report insightful and inspirational.  

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What Have We Looked At This Year? 

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How many people run in the UK?

In Numbers: 

• 40% of the UK population run at least once a week 

• 27% of the UK population say they run one to three times per week (up 5% year on year) 

• Over a quarter (28%) want to start or are considering running more in 2025 

• Men are more likely to run regularly (44%) than women (35%) 

• Millennials (aged 28-43) run more than any other generation 

• More people tend to run during the morning, with the most runs taking place between 5am and 11am 

• The most popular types of running are treadmill runs (27%) 

• 1 in 10 (12%) run with their dogs 

• The most common 5k time among runners is 29-30 minutes (12%) 
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Over a quarter (27%) of the UK population say they run one to three times a week – whether on roads, trails or the treadmill. This represents a 5% increase compared to 2023/24, reinforcing findings that running remains one of the UK’s most popular sports. This growth highlights a continued shift towards what is one of the lowest-cost and most accessible ways of staying fit.
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Notably, interest among non-runners is also on the rise. In 2023, only 8% of non-runners expressed a definite desire to start running more in 2024, but this figure has increased by 5%.
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Over a quarter (28%) of the population wants to run more or are considering it in 2025. Among them, Gen Z is the keenest to run more, with an impressive 68% of 16 to 27-year-olds sharing this goal for the year ahead. This uptick aligns with global studies showing Gen Z is purchasing more wellness products and taking more interest in their health than older generations. 

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How Often Do People Run? 

With 40% of Brits running at least once a week, and the average runner lacing up their trainers 65 times a year, we also looked at how often the majority of people run during a standard week.
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The most common running frequency is two to three times a week, with 16% of the population running this often. A smaller portion, 11%, head out once a week, while 8% run four to six times weekly. 
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Interestingly, 4% of Brits run every day, with men slightly more likely to do so than women (5% vs. 4%). 
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We asked Ben Mounsey, a full-time athlete and the lead Content Writer for SportsShoes.com, for thoughts on running every day, and if it’s good for you or not – here's what he said:
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“It all depends on the person, their level of fitness and experience and ultimately their running goals. Personally, I try to run every day, but that doesn’t mean running hard and pushing my limits 24/7. For 3-5 days a week I’m running very easy, sometimes on my own, sometimes with my dogs, but ultimately just to keep my legs moving, maintaining my base fitness and recovering in between the harder sessions. Ideally, I will add a speed session, a hill session and long run to my weekly training plan and mix in the easier runs in between. It’s also extremely beneficial to include strength work and alternative exercise e.g. cycling as part of your training to make you a more complete runner and help prevent injury. 
In short, you don’t need to run every day, but you do need to run consistently, and I would recommend exercising 3-5 times a week to maintain base fitness and stay fit and healthy.” 

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How Does Running Frequency Differ Between Genders and Generations? 

As in last year’s report, we also examined how running habits differ by gender and age. Our research shows that men are more likely to run than women, with 44% of British men running at least once a week, compared to 35% of women. While these numbers echo last year’s findings, female participation is steadily rising, particularly in competitive running, a topic we explore later in the report.
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Running frequency also varies significantly by generation. Millennials hit the pavement the most, with 62% running at least once a week. Close behind, 60% of Gen Z run weekly too, indicating a strong interest in fitness among younger generations.
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Frequency continues to decrease as we age: a third (33%) of Gen X run regularly, while only 14% of baby boomers maintain a weekly running habit. Interestingly, we asked the older generation why they don’t run and 37% of them said it was because they felt they were too old. 

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When Do People Run? 

Our research also explored what time of day people prefer to run, revealing that the most popular time to run is in the morning, between 5am and 11am. The next most popular time is in the evening, after 6pm. 
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Looking at the data hour by hour, the most popular time to run this year is between 6am and 7am, with 16% of runs happening during this hour. Last year, the peak time was between 9am and 10am (15%), which has now dropped to the third most popular. This shift perhaps reflects the return to in-person work that dominated headlines in 2024, where some businesses have started to move away from the hybrid work model that came about because of COVID-19. 
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Interestingly, runs before 5am, which were rare last year, have become more common. This year, 8% of runners admit to being early risers, choosing to run between 5am and 6am.  

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The Most Popular Times of Day to Run

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What Kind of Runs Are People Doing? 

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The most popular type of running is treadmill running, with over a quarter (27%) of all runs taking place on exercise equipment. 
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Ben weighed in on the effect of treadmill running, and whether there’s anything you need to look out for:
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“Treadmill running is an excellent way to train, especially when the weather prevents you from running outside, as a matter of convenience, or if it’s the difference between training or not training at all. Personally, I much prefer training outside in the elements. It’s more scenic, but the main reason is that you can’t replicate the natural terrain of the landscape on a treadmill. Running across uneven ground helps your body to prepare for the natural twists and turns that you experience in races, and it helps to build strength and flexibility in your feet and ankles.” 
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Outdoor running, which soared during the pandemic thanks to giving people a fantastic reason to get some fresh air, remains hugely popular. Road running and runs through parks each account for almost a quarter of runs, while trail running through the countryside, forests, or woods, makes up 10%.
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More than 1 in 10 runners (11%) keep up their routine even while on holiday, while 12% of runners enjoy the company of their dogs during their runs.  

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How Fast Are People Running? 

Among runners that log their times, the average 5k time for men is 28 minutes and 15 seconds, and for women it’s 29 minutes and 53 seconds.  
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, the fastest generation is Gen Z with an average time of 28 minutes and 5 seconds, followed by Millennials who run a 5k in 28 minutes and 26 seconds on average.
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Generation X has an average time of 30 minutes and 56 seconds, whereas baby boomers run a 5k in 30 minutes and 34 seconds on average. 
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Interestingly, 1 in 5 runners don’t time their runs at all.  

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What Motivates People to Run?   

In Numbers: 

• The most common reasons people run are to maintain or improve fitness (39%), followed by losing weight (29%) and maintaining or improving mental health (29%) 

• Male runners want to run as it gets them outside and female runners are motivated by the desire to lose weight, when comparing to the average 

• 8% of runners say they are motivated to run to achieve a goal such as a marathon 

• Over a quarter (26%) run to spend more time outdoors, an increase of 9% year-on-year 
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The top reason people run is to maintain or improve fitness (39%), followed closely by losing weight (29%), maintaining or improving mental health, and challenging themselves (both 29%). Competitiveness is another key motivator, with runners striving to get fitter or faster than someone they know (13%) or competing with others (7%). 

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Interestingly, while only 8% of runners are motivated by specific goals like completing a marathon, our research reveals that over half (56%) have participated in competitive events or are training to do so. This suggests that while a race may initially inspire many running journeys, it often evolves into a longer-term commitment to the sport. Later in the report, we’ll discuss competitive running in more depth, including a look at the most popular races worldwide for 2025. 
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Another reason people run is to explore the outdoors; 26% say running motivates them to get outside, 9% enjoy exploring new places through running and for 10% it’s their dog that’s encouraging them to go for a run. In last year’s report, we found that just 17% of runners chose to take up the sport to spend more time in nature, so this is a welcome increase, with 2024 research from the University of Exeter revealing that connecting people with nature led to big improvements in mental health. 
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The Top 15 Motivations for Running 

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Looking at the differences in motivations between men and women, women over-index on running to lose weight, while men are more motivated by getting outdoors when compared to the average.
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It’s interesting to see what motivations each generation over-indexes on too: 

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What Are the Benefits of Running? 

According to the data, running isn’t just about pounding the pavement - it’s a full-body and mind refresh. Over a third of runners (34%) say it improves their mental health and mood, while 31% feel it helps them sleep better and manage stress. It’s also an energy booster, with 32% reporting that they feel more energised after a run. For many, running is as much about mental gains as physical ones. 
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Runners also appreciate the ‘me time’. A quarter (25%) use it as a time to be alone, 19% enjoy a break from their devices, and 16% make the most of the opportunity to listen to their favourite music or podcasts.  

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The Top 10 Benefits Experienced by Runners 

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Interestingly, running offers unique benefits to each generation. Gen Z find it a great excuse to explore, over-indexing by +5.17% for the answer "seeing new places" compared to others. For Millennials, it’s all about sharing their pride in their time, with +4.27% saying they like to posting their run times on social media. Gen X appreciates the energy it brings, over-indexing by +4.49% on "I have more energy", while baby boomers value the restful nights it provides, with +8.02% over-indexing on "I sleep better"ㅤ

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What Stops People from Running?  

In Numbers: 

• Nearly half of the UK population (48%) has never run 

• Women are slightly more likely (51%) to have never run than men (44%) 

• The primary reason people don’t run is that they don't enjoy it (27%) 

• 1 in 5 people don’t run because they think they’re too unfit (down by 6% year on year) 

• Around 1 in 10 people in the UK don’t run because they think they’re too overweight, or because they’re embarrassed for other people to see them run 
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According to this year’s data, nearly half of Brits (48%) have never run. Women are slightly more likely to have never run than men, with 51% of women and 44% of men saying they’ve never taken up running. This tallies with recent YouGov data, where 42% of people said they’ve ‘learned to accept that healthy eating and running just aren’t for me’. 
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Older generations are running the least, with 80% of baby boomers and 55% of Gen X having never run. In stark contrast, only 19% of Gen Z and 23% of Millennials report the same, reinforcing the idea that the barriers to fitness, and to running specifically, become far more prevalent as we age.  
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The top reason people don’t run is simply because they don’t enjoy it (27%), a figure that is down 6% year on year. Other common barriers include health conditions or injuries that stop them from running (24%) and feeling too old to run (23%). Many people also perceive running as physically out of reach for them due to physical limitations. One in five believe they are too unfit to run, another figure which has dropped by 6% over the last year, while 16% find it physically painful. A significant portion (15%) find it boring, suggesting that a lack of enjoyment and engagement is holding many people back. 

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Others cite personal insecurities or fears as barriers. Some feel they are not very good at running (12%) and 9% are self-conscious about being seen by others. An equal 9% feel they are too overweight to run, and another 9% worry about the risk of falling or getting injured whilst running, all these figures remain largely unchanged since we asked people last year. 
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We asked Gary House, a running coach who recently won Coach of the Year at the National Running Show for his advice on how those who don’t find running fun can find more enjoyment in it: “Everyone who runs is different. We all have different motivations, goals and abilities, so these tips won’t work for everyone – but here are a few tips that have worked for me: 

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1. What is your motivation? 
I ask new runners to think about their motivation for wanting to run in the first place and not to forget that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the noise and confusion of social media.   
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2. Find local support 
Having support from a local group might fulfil your needs, or making friends through running could be the anchor you need to enjoy the journey.  
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3. Introduce variety 
Learning to vary sessions, exploring new places or simply having some time to listen to a podcast like RUNcensored might be enough to put a smile on their face.
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Ultimately, it's about sticking to your own reasons for running and, while your motivations may change over time, it should always be a positive in your life without adding more stress.” 

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The Top 10 Reasons People Don’t Run 

Running Safety 

In Numbers: 

• 2 in 5 runners say they have experienced feeling unsafe while running 

• Women are more likely to feel unsafe when running (48%) than men (36%) 

• Over two thirds of women (70%), and over half of men (57%) have experienced intimidating behaviour while out running  

• Female runners are twice as likely as men to experience catcalling 

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This year we took a closer look at safety concerns while running, with 5% of the population telling us they avoid running altogether because they worry about feeling unsafe, and a significant 42% of runners reporting experiences of feeling unsafe while out running. This figure is higher for women (48%), though 36% of men also report feeling unsafe. Younger runners are also more likely to have safety concerns, with over half of all Gen Z runners (55%) and 47% of Millennials expressing these worries. 

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These concerns are, unfortunately, not unfounded. More than half (57%) of men and a huge 70% of women have had an intimidating experience whilst running. The most common incidents include feeling as if someone is staring at you, believing someone is following you, and being beeped at from a car.
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Female runners report experiencing certain types of harassment more frequently than men, however. For example, 16% of women say they’ve been catcalled while running, compared to just 6% of men. Similarly, women are more likely to feel that someone is following them (22%) than men (13%), or that someone is staring at them (23%) than men (15%).  

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Most Common Intimidating Experiences for Runners 

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are several examples where women are far more likely to take certain safety precautions, adapting their running routines to potentially feel safer.
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Women are more likely to decide not to wear revealing clothing when running, ensure they run on well-lit streets and in busy areas, inform someone when they are heading out and making sure to only run in the day.  

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We have spoken to Mary McCarthy, a popular running influencer on social media, and asked her about her experience running outdoors as a female and the things she does to feel more comfortable:
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“Safety is a huge concern for a lot of women when running outside, including myself. Growing up, I would run with my dad or my teammates during running sessions led by my coach, and we would all wear hi-vis jackets to be more noticeable. As a young adult, I’ve been lucky to often have a friend to run with, which makes me feel a lot safer when training outdoors, although I’ve witnessed a lot of verbal harassment over the years. 

This is one of the main reasons why I avoid running in the dark unless I know it's a very well-lit road. If I do run in the dark such as early mornings in the winter, my boyfriend or a friend usually joins me. I also try to follow these safety tips: 

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• Know your running route 

• Run with someone if you can 

• Wear something reflective and bright (there are even light-up scrunchies now!) 

• Carry a personal safety alarm—it can help you feel more at ease 

• Use a treadmill if you don’t feel safe running in the dark 

• Share your location with someone, so at least one person knows where you are 

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Unfortunately, for a lot of female runners' it feels like they only have a short window during the day when they can comfortably run alone.” 

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Running Training, Gear and Injuries 

In Numbers: 

• Only 17% of runners change their running shoes at least once a year, meaning 4 in 5 are wearing shoes that could damage their feet while running  

• 1 in 5 runners wear their running shoes as their primary everyday footwear 

• Less than 7% of runners have had a gait analysis performed  

• Over two thirds of runners (70%) have experienced a running injury 

• Men are more likely to be injured while running (73%) than women (66%) 

• The most common injuries runners experience are blisters (14%), lower back pain (13%) and ankle sprains (12%) 

• Runners take the most time off running due to Morton’s neuroma (9.05 weeks) than any other injury 

• Just a quarter of runners (25%) complement their running with strength training  
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What Happens If You Run in the Wrong Shoes? 

Whether you’re just starting to run, or you’ve been at it for years, wearing the right shoes is incredibly important. Choosing the right shoes for your gait, pronation and running style will not only make your run more comfortable but will also help you avoid injuries.  
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Shockingly, according to our data, over three quarters (79%) of runners don’t have the right shoes for their running style. Runners are also unaware of key information that informs what shoes would be right for them, such as the fact that 90% of runners don’t know if they are a neutral runner, or if they over or under pronate and 93% of runners haven’t had a gait analysis performed. 
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Running shoe experts advise that you should change your trainers every year or every 500-700 kilometres (whichever is sooner), yet 83% of runners don’t do this. In fact, 16% of runners are still wearing the trainers they started running in. It’s also widely advised wear your running shoes only for running, yet 20% of runners wear their trainers as their primary everyday footwear.
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Gary explains why wearing your running shoes every day isn’t advised:
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“While wearing your running shoes for day-to-day activities won’t cause any harm or injury, it can speed up the wear and tear of your shoes which will shorten their lifespan. Running shoes are constantly evolving with tech and performance which means sometimes they also need time to recover between sessions or ‘bounce back’ due to the foams that are being used. If wearing a running shoe for everyday footwear is just a personal preference then maybe think about only doing that once the shoe looks or feels like it is not performing how you want it too anymore, but it’s still more than good enough for a trip to the shops.” 

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Are People Running at Night? 

According to our data, 29% of runners run in the evening, meaning that they are likely to be running in the dark at times. With busy lives involving families or work, this might be the only opportunity they have to go for a run, but outdoor runs in the dark come with obvious safety risks.  

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Perhaps surprisingly, the data shows that only the minority of runners are taking adequate steps to ensure they are visible in low light. 31% of runners wear a head torch and just 39% carry a light, even when it’s dark or poorly lit. Only 37% wear reflective shoes and under half of runners (46%) wear reflective clothing, meaning many are at risk of being hard to spot by other people and vehicles.  

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How Many People Have Had an Injury from Running?  

Running offers numerous health benefits, but it also comes with a risk of injury. Some injuries can be prevented by making some simple changes, such as wearing the right shoes, whilst others are just down to bad luck, like slipping or falling during a run.  
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70% of runners have unfortunately sustained an injury from running, with men more likely to have experienced this. In fact, 73% of men and 66% of women have had a running-related injury. 
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The most common injury amongst runners are blisters, followed by lower back pain and ankle sprains. While blisters might not sound that bad, they can be incredibly painful and can force runners to either push through the discomfort or take a break from running.  
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Gary shared his thoughts on whether blisters are a sign of poor fitting shoes, and what could actually be causing blisters among runners:
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“Friction, moisture or both are usually responsible for blisters more than ill-fitting footwear but that can certainly be a factor too. It's surprising to me how many runners will pay a premium for the perfect running shoe then scrimp when it comes to good running socks. Often, it's the shoe that gets the blame for blisters when often it's not, so if you are continually finding yourself developing blisters after running, I’d recommend changing your socks before you invest in new shoes.” 

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Most Common Injuries from Running 

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For many injuries it’s crucial to take adequate rest and recovery time to allow your injury to either heal or undergo any required treatments. Unfortunately, this often means hanging up your running shoes for a period of time. 
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The injury that causes the most time away from running is Morton’s neuroma, a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot. It occurs when the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes thickens. On average, runners spend 9.05 weeks off due to this condition. 
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Even seemingly minor issues, such as toenail damage, can force runners to miss out on their regular workouts. Those affected by a toenail injury spend an average of 5.93 weeks away from running.

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The Top 10 Running Injuries That Cause the Most Time Off Running 

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According to our data, some injuries don’t stop runners from continuing their routine. Side stitches, nipple chafing and dehydration are the most common things runners experience but ignore and continue to run.

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The Top 10 Running Injuries Where Runners Continue to Run

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How Many Runners Complement Their Training with Other Activities? 

Almost half of runners (47%) incorporate walking or hiking into their routines, making it the most popular additional physical activity, followed by strength training (25%) and swimming (24%). These activities not only help with fitness, strength and mobility, but also add variety to routines which can make things more interesting.  

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Gary shares his thoughts on runners incorporating a variety of activities into their training:

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“The fact that the data shows that nearly half of runners incorporate walking or hiking into their routines is very positive and personally as a coach, it’s brilliant to hear. The overall health benefits of walking are so often forgotten and whether it's a Sunday stroll with family or a specific strategy in your trail race, then it's always a positive. If you’re a runner that is looking for performance then ultimately you want to maximise your running based on lots of different factors with the help of strength, mobility and other cross training at the right times, but for runners who just want to enjoy running and its benefits then having other activities in your week is a fantastic way to support your body in its running journey. There will also be times when you might have an injury that stops you running but it doesn’t stop you from taking part in other activities, so having other options and hobbies can help you deal with that disappointment.” 

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The Top Activities Runners Use to Complement Their Training 

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Competitive Running 

In Numbers: 

• 56% of runners have participated in or are training for some form of competitive running 

• 11% have completed or are training for a half marathon 

• 1 in 10 runners have completed or are training for a marathon 

• Men are slightly more likely (58%) than women (53%) to engage in competitive running 

• 5% have participated in or are training for an ultramarathon 
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This year’s findings closely mirror those of last year, indicating a steady level of participation in competitive events in the running industry. This year however, we expanded the scope of our research to include events like Tough Mudder and Ironman, revealing that over half of runners (56%) have either taken part in competitive events in their running journeys, or are training for them.  
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How Does Competition Participation Differ Between Genders?

When we released our first running report last year, 70% of marathon participants were male, compared to 30% who were female. This year, the gender gap has narrowed, with men making up 60% and women 40%. This shift follows global trends, with one example being the record-breaking 2025 London Marathon ballot, which saw a 2.6% rise in female entrants compared to 2024. 

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The Most Popular Half Marathons in the UK for 2025 

Interest in half marathons continues to rise, with 11% of British runners participating or training for these events. This is backed up by Google data which also shows that searches for ‘half marathon near me’ are up 41% compared to last year.  
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To reveal the top trending half marathons in the UK, we’ve used Google data from 2023 and 2024 to see which races are surging in popularity.  
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English half marathons dominate the list, indicating a strong rise in recreational running across the country, but Scotland features too - with the Edinburgh and Inverness Half Marathons taking 11th and 12th place thanks to a 34% increase in interest compared with 2023. Wales also has an entry, with the Snowdonia Half Marathon in 15th place seeing a 23% rise in searches year on year. Runners taking on this North Wales race must battle significant challenges in one of the hardest half marathons in the UK but are treated to some of the most stunning views around while they do so. 
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The Top 15 Trending Half Marathons in the UK for 2025 

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1. Bristol Half Marathon – 91% increase in interest 
The Bristol Half Marathon, which has been attended by the likes of Paula Radcliffe and tours iconic Bristol landmarks before passing under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, takes the top spot as the UK’s top trending half-marathon. 
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2. Liverpool Half Marathon – 73% increase in interest 
Liverpool’s Half Marathon is in its 31st year this year and always draws a fantastic crowd of locals to cheer the participants on. With slight inclines but a mostly flat route, it’s great for those looking for their first half marathon.  
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3. Manchester Half Marathon – 65% increase in interest 
The Manchester Half, the largest in the region, has been a popular event since its launch in 2016, earning high praise from participants. Last year, 24,000 runners tackled the predominantly flat course, and it’s considered a standout race in the UK’s running calendar. 
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The Trending Marathons for 2025

It’s not only half marathons that are getting runners motivated to lace up their trainers, with one in 10 also saying they’ve either completed or are training for a full marathon. So which ones are enticing the most runners for 2025?  
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Spain dominates the top 20, with four separate races featuring and seeing increases in interest. The top-ranking Spanish marathon is the Seville Marathon, which sold out six and a half months in advance for 2025, seeing a 78% increase in interest year on year, while Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona’s marathons also all feature. 
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No UK-based marathons made the top 20, but the list highlights the global spread of iconic events. It showcases the growing interest in destination races, which we predict will take off in 2025 as a key running trend, with runners of all abilities planning competitive races abroad and combining their fitness goals with travel. 

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The Top 20 Trending Marathons for 2025 

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1. Beijing Marathon - 386% increase in interest 
China’s dominance in the top three comes with news that marathons have steadily been on the rise in the country, with the Beijing Marathon standing out as one of its most prestigious races. Held annually, the event takes runners past historic landmarks like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, showcasing the city's cultural heritage. 
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2. Shanghai Marathon – 126% increase in interest 
The Shanghai Marathon has recently made efforts to align with international major marathon standards and become one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. This may be in part why it’s seen such a surge in interest, with 12% of runners coming from abroad currently.  

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3. Nagoya Women’s Marathon – 104% increase in interest
Renowned as the world’s largest women’s marathon, it offers a finisher’s prize of an exclusive Tiffany & Co. pendant and in 2019 was awarded the platinum label by World Athletics. 
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The Trending Ultramarathons for 2025 

Ultramarathons have seen the biggest rise in searches out of all race distances we looked at this year, with searches for ‘ultramarathon near me’ up by 66% year on year. With 5% of the runners we spoke to saying they’ve completed or are training for an ultramarathon, we also looked at which of these endurance races across the globe are seeing the biggest spikes in interest.  
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Notable races in the ultramarathon top 10 include Europe’s Tor des Géants in Italy, which features a gruelling elevation gain, and the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra which tests the endurance of athletes in freezing Arctic temperatures. Events with long histories also feature, such as South Africa’s Comrades Marathon, which is the world’s oldest ultramarathon, and the Leadville Trail 100, which was founded in 1983 and features on the bucket list of many ultra runners. 
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The Top 10 Trending Ultramarathons for 2025 

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1. Namib Race – 186% increase in interest 
Located in the world’s oldest desert, the extreme race is part of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, which also includes the Atacama Crossing in Chile, the Gobi March in Mongolia (in 4th place in our list) and the Last Desert in Antarctica. Completing all four of these marathons is a coveted achievement among passionate ultra runners.  
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2. Suffolk Coastal Path 50k – 180% increase in interest 
With a much more manageable elevation change of just 120 meters compared with many other ultra races, the Suffolk Coastal Path spans 50km of the beautiful Suffolk coastline. Known to be a flat and fast course, the race is a perfect entry point for those attempting their first ultramarathon. 
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3. The Barkley Marathons – 158% increase in interest  
A legendary date in the race calendar due to the bizarre way it is run. With just 35-40 places each year, there’s no classic way of entering the marathon, with applicants required instead to request an entry form and only a selection of these then sent one. With a brutal elevation gain equivalent to climbing Everest twice, as well as no course markers and a ban on GPS devices, this race is not for the faint hearted. 

Top Running Influencers on Instagram and TikTok 

Running influencers play a big part in many people's running journeys, as they can often inspire you to give running a go, keep you motivated and provide valuable tips and insights. We wanted to highlight some of the best running influencers out there, so have compiled our list of ‘must follow’ runners on TikTok and Instagram. Each one of these social media stars are sharing amazing content, from impressive running challenges to creating inclusive and supportive communities, so if you’re looking to follow more inspirational runners, we would 100% recommend our top 10.  
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To get to our top 10, we compiled a list of the most popular running influencers on Instagram and TikTok, and analysed their engagement rates by looking at the number of followers and average number of likes on the platform. This engagement rate was then used to create our top 10 list. 

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1. Wyatt Moss, @mosswyatt, 187,000 followers on TikTok, 36.18% engagement rate  

The 22-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, keeps his 187,000 followers on TikTok entertained by taking part in various running events and sharing his journey online. One of the biggest challenges he completed to date is the "50 States Marathon Challenge”, which aims to run a marathon in each of the 50 U.S. states.  

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2. Haroon Mota, @haroonmota, 25,667 followers, 20.77% engagement rate 

Haroon plays a significant role in promoting diversity and inclusion across the running industry, particularly within the Muslim community. The British marathon runner also founded the Active Inclusion Network, which aims to encourage underrepresented groups to take part in outdoor sports and activities.   

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3. Danielle Hartmann, @daniellehartruns, 380,500 followers, 17.46% engagement rate 

As well as sharing her running journey online, Danielle’s content often focuses on fitness tips for pregnant women and highlights the health benefits of staying active throughout pregnancy. During her pregnancy, she stayed committed to her fitness routine, running up to 39 weeks while taking her followers along with her.  

4. Walter Mayo @runthestreetsfitness, 52,894 followers, 10.96% engagement rate 

Walter began his running journey due to mental health reasons in 2015 and has since become an inspiration and advocate for mental well-being through exercise. His content focuses on community building as well as empowering his followers to stay active for their own mental health benefits. 

5. Florian Plöger, @hello.scotty, 74,590 followers, 9.46% engagement rate 

Nearly 75,000 people follow German runner Florian on Instagram, where he often shares posts of him with his Australian Shepherd Scotty. In many posts you’ll see Florian and Scotty enjoying Canicross, where you run with your dog attached to you via a harness and bungee cord, and he’s passionate about inspiring more people to run with their beloved dogs.   

6. Mary McCarthy, @marymccarths, 104,073 followers, 9.23% engagement rate 

Mary is a UK-based running influencer and refers to herself as "Your London Running Gurll". 100,000 people follow her fitness journey on Instagram, where she posts about fitness, fashion and other lifestyle topics as well as her personal life. She also has a Master's in Sports and Exercise and serves as a running trainer for a fitness app called Shreddy. 

7. Sashea Lawson, @sassyfitgirl, 14,347 followers, 8.23% engagement rate  

Sashea is an advocate for women's health and fitness, with her content regularly covering the tricky balance of parenting and exercise. She also focuses heavily on the experience of returning to exercise postpartum. The mum of two emphasises on the importance of a gradual return to exercise after having a baby and regularly discusses life as a parent while also trying to maintain an active lifestyle.  

8. Nico Felich, @nicofelich, 537,1000 followers, 7.88% engagement rate 

Nico, a 23-year-old American university student, began his influencer journey in early 2021 and has since gained over 537,000 followers on TikTok. His content often focuses on documenting his running journey and sharing his progress and competitions he takes part in. Nico is also known for his “Day of eats” series, where he shares his daily meals and nutrition tips with his followers.    

9. Emily Jane, @emilyjanefairs, 198,600 followers, 7.01% engagement rate 

Emily is a UK-based online fitness coach, runner, and digital content creator. She has almost 200,000 followers on TikTok – where she films herself training for various running events and shares useful tips with her followers. Emily has a particular passion for ultramarathons and competes as an ultra-runner on a regular basis.  

10. David Roche, @mountainroche, 51,079 followers, 6.89% engagement rate  

American ultramarathon runner, David made a remarkable debut in the 100-mile distance by winning the Leadville Trail 100 and setting a new course record, previously unchallenged for 19 years. Besides sharing his running journey online and providing useful tips to his followers, he also works as a running coach. 

Top Running Trends for 2025: What We Predict for the Upcoming Year 

By digging into global search trends around running, as well as analysing our own data and survey results, we’re rounding off our report by forecasting the trends we believe are set to shape the running world in 2025. 
      

      
1. A Turn to the Trails 
Trail running has found its footing over the last two decades, with more runners heading off road to experience the thrill of running on more rugged terrain and being surrounded by spectacular nature. Coupled with a rise in ultramarathons being hosted across the globe in more rural areas, we predict a bigger shift from road to trail over the course of 2025 than previously seen.  
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Last year we saw searches for trail running shoes and accessories, such as cross-country spikes, significantly increase on our site, and Google data from across the globe seems to echo this trend. Searches for items like trail running poles are up 48% year on year, “ultra trail races" have seen searches up by 30%, and many more trail running accessories seem to be on the radar of those wishing to take to the trails. 
       
It’s important to remember though that trail running requires more specific gear, which can be an investment to fully access and enjoy this form of running. We spoke to Ben Mounsey, an expert in all things trail running, to provide advice on how you can try out trail running before committing to buying extra gear:
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“Over the last few races trail running has been proving very popular and the beauty of it is that when you are starting out, a pair of hybrid or light trail shoes that can also be used on the road are usually a more affordable option than a performance running shoe.  
If trail running turns out to be your passion, then you can look into specific shoes for more extreme conditions, locations or races, but at first all you need is a pair that fits you well, are suitable for the terrain and make you smile when you have them on.” 

2. Competition Driving Performance 
Runners worldwide are setting ambitious goals like a "sub-3 marathon" (+44% year-on-year), something echoed in our own survey results which revealed that 19% of the population believe they could run a sub-3-hour marathon during their lifetime. Meanwhile, international events and those that blend running and fitness like Hyrox and Ironman, are surging in popularity. Searches for "5k training plan" have risen by 62% year on year, while searches for "best shoes for Hyrox", the cult fitness phenomenon that has taken the world by storm, spiked by 292% over the last year. 
       
If this sounds like you, and you’re planning on trying out Hyrox in 2025, Gary has revealed exactly which shoes are best for the functional fitness event: “Having coached a few runners who do enjoy Hyrox, I have always suggested a shoe that is lightweight and low stack (with a drop to suit the individual) - then maybe with a little grip for those sweaty bends! Running makes up the main chunk of time in a Hyrox event with a little more than 8km of running in total so I would always recommend a running shoe over a gym shoe.” 

3. Race-cations  
Long gone are the days of seeing a holiday as a complete break from routine, with the idea of planning your holidays to coincide with a bucket list race seeming to be a key trend for the year. “Adventure races” (+132%) and “destination races” (+42%) reflect this, offering runners a way to choose their races based on bucket list locations, while “running retreats” (+69%) and “running festivals” (+57%) offer even more ways for those passionate about running to integrate the sport into their lives and travels. 
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If you are seeking some international inspiration for your next race-cation, check out our section on 2025’s trending races, to explore some of 2025’s most exciting events.  

4. Running for Community 
 Arguably the biggest running trend to come out of 2024 was running clubs. Groups that are designed to provide a space for accountability and training support, as well as social connection with likeminded people.
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Whether it is influencers launching their own groups, or more local parkruns popping up, there’s a run club for everyone. Searches for "running clubs" have increased by 123% year-on-year, reflecting a rising demand for group fitness but also for social connection, something we know is prevalent among the UK population. 
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With a 2022 study published by Campaign to End Loneliness revealing that 50% of adults admit feeling lonely, we spoke to Arabella Payne, Commercial Partnerships Manager from parkrun about why it is she thinks the free community event has become such a permanent fixture in so many Brits’ lives:
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“We’ve heard countless stories from parkrunners who’ve said the weekly 5k event, or 2k junior event, has helped them combat feelings of loneliness, make lifelong friendships and transform their life. In a time when so many of us are seeking ways to reconnect, something as simple as getting together on a Saturday or Sunday morning as a community can create a powerful sense of belonging, with benefits way beyond physical health. 
       
In fact, according to our health and wellbeing survey, those who also volunteer at parkrun report an 84% improvement to their happiness, meanwhile 69% of all respondents (runners, walkers and volunteers) also report improvements to their mental health. 
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Joining parkrun offers so much more than just the physical benefits associated with running. At its heart, parkrun is about community. It provides a space for people to come together, be active, and develop meaningful social connections - whether walking, running or volunteering.” 

5. Technology-Driven Running Insights 
 There’s also growing interest in data-driven insights that allows runners to shape their training using their own personal data. Searches for "running watches" have climbed 63% year on year, alongside increased interest in running coaches, analytics and running apps. Metrics like VO2 max have also surged by 97%, reflecting how wearables like Apple Watches and Fitbits are shaping the way runners approach their performance and training.  
       
There has also been a global increase in searches for more technical footwear and training optimisation. Searches for “carbon-plated running shoes” are up 230% year-on-year, while interested in training methods like “sprint intervals” (+41%) and “tempo runs” (+35%) has also increased. 

6. Holistic Running Health 
The final trend we believe is set to thrive in 2025 is holistic running health – with runners choosing to focus more intently on nutrition, recovery and injury prevention. Social platforms like TikTok have fuelled wellness trends and, despite the fleeting nature of some fads, there’s a clear shift towards balanced, sustainable health habits, with Gen Z seemingly leading the charge as we discussed earlier in the report. Searches for "dynamic stretches running" have risen 44% year on year, while interest in things like recovery runs and pre-run stretches have also increased. 
       
With searches for “strength training running” also up by 18% year-on-year, it appears runners are becoming more informed about how to tailor their training to their personal needs, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to health and performance. This year, our data also revealed that a quarter of runners complement their running with strength training, one in five do mobility or stretching exercises, and only 10% of runners don’t do any other regular training at all - statistics we’re pleased to see moving in the right direction, particularly since last year we revealed that just 12% of runners said they also train in the gym to complement or improve their running performance. 
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We spoke to Nick Read, managing director of the Vitality Programme, to get his thoughts on why a holistic approach to your health is such an important thing to incorporate into your lifestyle:
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“Our health is intrinsically linked to our wellbeing. It affects everything we do and how we feel today, but also how we’ll live our life in the future too. Yet, despite a growing awareness of the value and importance of living a healthy and physically life, many of us find it hard to make it part of our everyday life. A key tool at our disposal here is habits. Accounting for around 45% of our behaviours each day, Vitality’s own research has found that most people create a habit in around 10 weeks. Knowing this gives us some understanding as to the steps we can take to making living a healthy lifestyle part of our daily lives in a sustainable way. 
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By embedding healthy habits into our lives, we can significantly benefit our overall health, both now in terms of how easily we move, our mental wellbeing and our quality of sleep, but also in significantly reducing the risk factors of many diseases and illnesses, meaning we can not only live longer, but can do so in much better health.” 
       
And with that, we’ve reached the end of our second deep dive into the UK’s running landscape. With many of our findings up year-on-year, as well as the new data showing strong interest in all things running related, we’re confident that 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for runners of all levels. Whether you’ll be mastering trails this year, or prioritising recovery, setting a new race goal or simply seeking community – we hope we’ve inspired you to consider what you want to achieve from your running journey this year.  

Head to our running hub to find in-depth articles covering anything you could want to know about running or take a look at our kit & gear category to find the latest shoes, apparel and technology.  

Visit our Running Report 2024 to explore last year's statistics.

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Methodology: 

Survey Statistics 

We partnered with Censuswide who surveyed 3,000 nationally representative UK consumers aged 16+ in the UK between 13.12.2024 – 17.12.2024. The survey was conducted from a nationally representative of UK adults. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Censuswide are also members of the British Polling Council. Data correct as of December 2024. 

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Marathons & Ultramarathons  

We looked at the annual global Google search data for Jan-Dec 2023, compared with Jan-Dec 2024 to reveal the trending races for 2025. For half-marathons, we used UK Google data only and for Marathons and Ultramarathons we used global Google data. Data correct as of January 2025.  
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Top Running Influencers 

To determine our top 10 running influencers, we compiled a long list of running influencers from Instagram and TikTok with followings over 10,000. We ordered the top 10 by engagement rate, this was calculated by the number of followers and average likes per post. Sources: Instagram, TikTok, Social Blade. Data correct as of January 2025. 

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Sources: 

https://press.strava.com/articles/strava-releases-annual-year-in-sport-trend  

https://www.statista.com/statistics/975115/sport-participation-england/  

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/genz/2024/01/2024-01-23d.html?  

https://randd.defra.gov.uk/ProjectDetails?ProjectId=20772  

https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/news-and-media/latest-news/new-ballot-world-record-for-2025-tcslm  

https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-london-marathon-ballot-record/  

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202404/1310148.shtml?  

https://www.smartshanghai.com/event/78251?  

https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/facts-and-statistics/  

https://shura.shu.ac.uk/29821/2/pgph.0000138.s002.pdf    

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886921003755 

YouGov survey (representative of respondents in Great Britain) - compiled using data from 09/02/2025   

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