Fall is my favorite season. First, because it’s a break from the relentless heat of the summer and the difficult conditions it creates for running — at least for a Northern U.S. native like me. Secondly, because it allow
s us to look back on a successful season of summer races – from Falmouth to Davenport to Spokane – and simultaneously look forward to an exciting season of fall races. From big events like the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon to local and regional favorites like the Allianz Richmond Marathon and the Boulderthon, there isn’t a weekend in the next few months where you won’t find me searching online for race day photos or pouring through race results. If I can’t be at them all or even better, run them all, I want to at least live vicariously through the dozens of friends and thousands of strangers who did.
The work Running USA has done over the past few months answered a question I have had for several months now: Is running back? We knew there were a lot of success stories from member events, but we wanted to know what the data said. And what it showed us is that running is not back. It’s better. Our Industry Insights report comparing races from 2019 to 2024 shows that overall, participation is up from pre-pandemic numbers. Then, when we looked at the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of 2024. I’m not going to lie. I did a little dance when I saw the results. Overall, finishers are up 13% across all categories. In the marathon distance, it’s 26% – a fitting number. Beyond the numbers, there is reason for optimism. In this year’s Global Runner Survey sponsored by Active, three-quarters of respondents say they would do at least as many, if not more races in the coming year. By the way, all of these reports are free for Running USA members.
Make no mistake. These increases are not accidental or coincidental. They are the work of event organizers who have adapted to the new world we live in. They have changed and evolved their marketing tactics to meet runners where they are and they have focused on creating an experience that runners will share with their friends. If you missed our incredible conversation with four events who are doing just that, I encourage you to go back and watch it.
If you will be in New York City for the marathon this fall, we will have an opportunity to celebrate and toast to the industry. Details are coming soon. Otherwise, we hope to see you at the Running Industry Conference presented by haku in February. We have an amazing lineup planned for Louisville that, like the races seeing so much growth, you won’t want to miss!
Happy Running!
Jay
