According to the 2018 National Runner Survey Results from Running USA, baby boomers are more likely to participate in the same running events year after year, while Millennials are looking for a unique event experience and less likely to repeat their participation.
Other findings include:
- Nearly 70 percent of runners say they are not replacing running with other classes or sports activities, and nearly half expect to increase their participation in organized running events in the year to come.
- Social media participation related to running has decreased somewhat, and runners say they are depending on race emails and websites, rather than Facebook, for event info.
“The results of this year’s National Runner Survey are good news for our sport,” said Rich Harshbarger, CEO of Running USA. “They indicate that the core running population remains committed to running as a major part of their recreational lives, and will keep returning to events that are well-organized and fun.”
Administered annually, the National Runner Survey is a comprehensive study designed to assess the demographics, lifestyle, attitudes, habits and product preferences of the running population nationwide.
Insight into the following subject areas is also available in the results: demographics, event participation, technology use, profiles and preferences, social media and product use, and training and injuries.
Initially launched in 2007, the National Runner Survey is distributed electronically on an annual basis to race directors, media, running stores, brands and vendors, running clubs and others who frequent the running industry.
The results of the Survey are free to Running USA members and can be downloaded on RunningUSA.org.
