The Running Thread - 2020

[flav]

ATTQOTD: Running is still popular but evolving. For example, there are more people around me that transition to trail running instead of road running. Also, the events have to be distinctive and well organized for them to sell. It think that has to do with reviews available online and pricing... People like to have an experience, not just a time. And I wonder about demographics also. The age groups F40-44 and F45-50 seem very competitive and present in some of the races. I even have seen cases where, with my time I would have placed if I was 32 but no chance at 45!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

ATTQOTD: I don't really know the answer, but I think it's an interesting question. While running will always be cyclical, one thing that helps it always remain popular is the accessibility. Other current fitness trends may require classes, gym fees, et all, but with just a pair of sneakers, you can run. That's a low entry point.

1. Inside the Park (Oracle Park) Marathon Relay. Runners and/or relay team ran 26.2 miles around the ballpark. It did not sell out at all, but I believe that to be a function of the very steep entrance (starting around $3,000+) all of which went to charity.
2. A two race challenge. The Half and 10K started at 7:00am. The 5K started at 11:00am. Registering for the challenge meant you ran the 10K or Half and
the 5K and you would earn a special medal. Even though the challenge was prominently advertised on the race website, there were many runners who had no idea it was even available.

I do think race experience plays a part. My nephew has played flag football for a couple of years now. The first year he had no interest in the flag football fundraiser 5K. Now last year they themed the race to Star Wars and he was very excited to run it and has told my sister that he wants to run it again this year.

 

[SarahDisney]

ATTQOTD: NYRR races are selling out like crazy, so ... I'd say in NY running is still growing. I think fitness in general is growing, and running is part of that, but I think running may be growing more slowly than some other things.

 

[Kazrak]

ATTQOTD: It feels like it's a little off peak, but a lot bigger than it was years ago.

As part of my long-term tracking, I have total numbers for the Turkey Trot race I do, from 2016 to 2019...and also for 2010. Because of the nature of the Turkey Trot, it's less likely than others to be susceptible to having people go to other races instead.

2017 was the busiest year (1453 runners), followed by 2018 (1442). 2019 was down slightly (1443), 2016 was lower than either (1273). For long-term comparison, 2010 only had 578 runners.

 

[FFigawi]

QOTD: Is it your belief that running as a whole is either trending up, down, or staying the same?

If by running you mean people in races, I’d say it’s trending down. Look at Disney, for example. In 2011, they couldn’t fill the marathon until they gave away free Monday park tickets. A few years later, Dopey sells out almost immediately. Another few years pass and they’re breaking apart Dopey and Goofy slots to open up places in the other races.

 

[brent02139]

ATTQOTD: A bit old but looking at data up to 2016, 2013 was the peak but still above historical averages.

I think it depends regionally too. Here in Cambridge, MA. running culture is strong. You'll see small regional marathons that are sold out as well as big 5k/10k races sold out as well. Year round you'll see people running up and down the Charles River and Boston marathon route. I think in the last 10 years, running actually gotten a bit larger, could be the transient younger generation that has moved into this area.


source:https://www.5kevents.org/demographics.html

 

[JulieODC]

Agree for my area - just west of Cambridge, in the Boston suburbs. Our local running community is growing.

but I do agree that there are SO many races happening all over, that it’s watering down participation rates, in those smaller, local events.

ATTQOTD: A bit old but looking at data up to 2016, 2013 was the peak but still above historical averages.

I think it depends regionally too. Here in Cambridge, MA. running culture is strong. You'll see small regional marathons that are sold out as well as big 5k/10k races sold out as well. Year round you'll see people running up and down the Charles River and Boston marathon route. I think in the last 10 years, running actually gotten a bit larger, could be the transient younger generation that has moved into this area.

View attachment 473030
source:https://www.5kevents.org/demographics.html

 

[jmasgat]

In the midst of COVID-19, a runner finds a way....

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...1-miles-in-his-living-room?CMP=share_btn_link

 

[michigandergirl]

The age groups F40-44 and F45-50 seem very competitive and present in some of the races.

Those are very competitive age groups in my area too and that reminds me about an article I read not long ago. It was something about "getting better at the mid-life crisis" and how extreme sports like marathons, ultra, & Ironmans are becoming increasingly popular with middle aged people. I suppose it was my own mid-life crisis that got me started on this running journey. I felt like I needed to make big lifestyle changes and do something extreme, so I signed up for my first marathon the year I turned 40.

 

[Waiting2goback]

QOTD: Is it your belief that running as a whole is either trending up, down, or staying the same?

ATTQOTD: I was having a conversation with a coworker who ran a 5k that I used to run every summer. She told me that last year it was a small race with less than 50 runners. I was shocked, because when I ran the race, it was large with at least 750-1000 runners. I consider that big for a local 5k. I also noticed fewer runners and even fewer people I knew. It could be just my age group of friends have moved onto the next thing or like me life just got much busier with more children or their activities. But even if that was the case, the next generation should fill in those spots. So what I think is not backed up by anything, just a thought... I think the bombing of the 2013 Boston Marathon caused a running boom and we are now trending down.

I think it’s staying the same now. Big races are still widely popular and I only think Disney races are dying off a little because of the price and perceived less value for the money but the Boston qualifying times are more competitive than ever because of the level of competition submitting times.

 

[FFigawi]

Those are very competitive age groups in my area too and that reminds me about an article I read not long ago. It was something about "getting better at the mid-life crisis" and how extreme sports like marathons, ultra, & Ironmans are becoming increasingly popular with middle aged people. I suppose it was my own mid-life crisis that got me started on this running journey. I felt like I needed to make big lifestyle changes and do something extreme, so I signed up for my first marathon the year I turned 40.

It helps that those middle aged people are the ones with time and money to spend on hobbies.

 

[Run4DisneyFun]

ATTQOTD: Some runs are getting much bigger, while others shrink. It seems to me like the more casual runners are after events with unique cultural or stewardship value. For example, here in KOHLER WI we host a race to support clean water charities. That race has grown every year since its inception 4 years ago. The local charity run for cancer sets record every year (even this year with a couple of inches of snow). But we had a fun run cancel in December due to lack of participants.

I think that people want more than just the run: they also want an event or reason.

 

[TheHamm]

Jumping in with a QOTD: what running condition do others find terrible that you are fine with?

Answer: I was curious about this as I went out to run at lunch on Monday and my coworker was very articulate about how my choice did not make any sense. It was dry, slightly overcast, and 34 °F. I explained I thought it was fantastic as long as it wasn't icy, but he was not buying it. Today, I am debating with myself if I would rather run now when wet, sloppy snow is falling (I run on well salted asphalt, so no ice just puddles) or tomorrow when it will be single digits, but no puddles and generally my track will be ice free. I am still happier in 7 °F than 87 °F!

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

QOTD: what running condition do others find terrible that you are fine with?

Rain.

I reach what I call 'Misery Equilibrium'. This is where you can't get any more miserable, so you might as well keep running.

If it's relatively warm, I actually enjoy running in the rain. Cold or windy, not so much.

Note: Today, I wimped out on running in the rain!

 

[jmasgat]

ATTQOTD: Really cold (0F) temps. My husband always tells me not to run--then again, he also tells me that when there is snow on the roads or any kind of ice. I agree with him on the ice, but as long as I can appropriately dress for the conditions, I'm good.

 

[Neon Cactus]

ATTQOTD: For me, it's the heat. I live in Dallas so we get more heat than cold, and our cold doesn't compare to a lot of the country. So while I can't say I enjoyed the temperatures at the marathon this year, I much preferred them over extreme cold.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

QOTD: what running condition do others find terrible that you are fine with?

Inside on the treadmill!
I really enjoy my treadmill- it allows me the opportunity to run anytime, in any weather, and with minimal preparation.

 

[softball chick]

ATTQOTD: The treadmill. I'm not going to go as far to say I love running on it, but I don't seem to have as negative of a relationship with it as many do. For me, I do a lot of visualization while I'm running on it of where I would rather be running (typically I'm thinking of Main Street/the castle) and that helps me out. Plus living in WI, I sort of had to come to terms with it unless I want to be running in the snow/ice/cold for months.

 

[StacyStrong]

ATTQTD - The cold. It doesn't bother me too much. I just layer more and get it done. I warm up super quickly so it's never too bad.

I will say I'm one of those who hates the treadmill. Not only is it boring, but it physically hurts. I had to do a couple runs on the treadmill recently and now my ankle has been bothering me slightly. A weird twinge. I 100% blame the treadmill runs.

 

[GreatLakes]

Jumping in with a QOTD: what running condition do others find terrible that you are fine with?

The treadmill. I don't mind running in just about any weather from -20 to 100. I don't mind snow or rain really unless the rain is driving. Wind is really the biggest weather challenge in my opinion rainy or dry.

The treadmill, on the other hand, is just terrible. I was out last week on a nice, clear, snowy day and it was one of the most peaceful runs I've had in a year.