Running

Running is one of the most popular sports activities and is the basis of most aerobic fitness programs. Running is also the basis of most sports as well as a sport on its own.

Running is one of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise with a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Physically, running strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves lung capacity, boosts metabolism, and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also promotes stronger bones and muscles, while improving overall endurance and stamina. In addition to the physical benefits, running can be a stress reliever, triggering the release of endorphins—often referred to as the “runner’s high“, which can help reduce anxiety, depression, and improve mood. Regular running supports better sleep quality, cognitive function, and can even foster a stronger sense of self-discipline and resilience.

Running Injury:
Numerous epidemiological studies have reported on the incidence and prevalence of running injuries, but different methodological issues, such as source of subjects and definitions of particular injuries. Reported injury rates vary from 24% to 77%. Generally two out of three runners will have an injury in any one year.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common problem (~30%), followed by medial tibial stress syndrome (~20%), achilles tendonitis (~5-10%), plantar fasciitis (~5-10%), stress fractures (~5-10%) and iliotibial band syndrome (~5-8%).

Most of the injuries are assumed to be due to combination of load management issues, faulty training methods, training surface, muscle dysfunction and inflexibility, footwear design and lower limb biomechanics. Runners have been shown not to be at any greater risk of developing degenerative joint disease.

Participation Trends in Running:
In Australia, over 3.48 million adults aged 15 and over engage in running or jogging annually, representing approximately 15.8% of the adult population.
Globally, running events have seen significant growth, with participation increasing by 23% in 2024
In the USA, race participation grew by 8.2% from 2023 to 2024 .
The 2026 London Marathon received over 1.1 million ballot entries for the race, nearly double that of two years prior. Only 58 000 are permitted to run.

Running Topics:

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