After experiencing 300 percent growth from 1990 to 2013, running event finishers in 2014 were slightly down from the all-time record set in 2013, according to Running USA. While the marathon and half marathon continue to grow, other distances declined.
Total finishers were down 1.4 percent to 18.75 million. Female participation across all event finishers declined 1.4 percent to 10.7 million finishers nationwide and continues to represent 57 percent from event fields. Male participation also declined 1.4 percent to 8.1 million.
Among races:
5K finishers reached 8.3 million, the same as last year after seeing a 34 percent jump in 2013;
10K finishers were down 5 percent to 1.4 million after showing a 1 percent gain in 2013;
Half-marathon finishers grew 4.4 percent to 2.05 million, after gaining 6 percent in 2013. Running USA noted 61 percent of half-marathon finishers were female;
Marathon finishers reached 550,600 against 541,000 a year ago, an increase of 1.8 percent. Marathon finishers grew 11 percent in 2013.
Others (triathlon, ultra, adventure, etc.) finishers declined 4.4 percent to 6.45 million, a turnabout after seeing a 22 percent gain in 2013.
The total number of U.S. racing events declined slightly to 28,000 from 28,200. Declines were seen in 5K races, down to 15,100 from 15,200; and Others races, down to 4,200 from 4,600. Gains were seen in the 10K, up to 3,700 from 3,200; and half-marathons, 2,500 against 2,100. Marathon races were 1,200, the same as 2013.
Among other findings:
The 25 to 44 year old age group is the sweet spot for running, accounting for half of finishers;
The average age of timed race finishers was 34.3 (female, 35.8; male, 34.5);
The average marathon time was 4.44 for women and 4.19 for men. In 2013, the average time for women was 4.41 for women and 4.16 for men.
