Resources & Inspiration

The running shoe market is growing, but published totals still vary depending on how analysts define the category. Some forecasts isolate running shoes only, while others compare the category against the wider athletic footwear industry. Even with that variation, the overall direction is consistent. The category is expanding, premium performance product is gaining momentum, and … Read more

Half marathons remain one of the most important distances in road racing because they combine mass participation with performance depth. Recent and widely cited industry data shows that the event has produced million-runner participation levels, a broad recreational performance range, and world-record standards that continue to move lower. Key half marathon statistics Metric Value Context … Read more

Marathon running is growing again, with record ballot demand, huge finisher totals at major races, and faster average finish times in the United States than a few years ago. The statistics below cover participation, demand, performance, and event impact. Key marathon statistics Marathon participation and performance charts Recent marquee marathon scale Label Bar Value New … Read more

Runner demographics vary depending on whether you look at race registrations, core-runner surveys, or app-based activity data. Recent U.S. race-registration data shows women still make up a slight majority of participants, the biggest age band is 30-39, and virtual formats continue to attract a more female and older audience. Survey data from Running USA adds … Read more

Running injuries remain common across novice, recreational, and higher-risk runner groups. The research is consistent on three points: a large share of runners get injured within a year, most injuries happen at or below the knee, and previous injury is one of the clearest predictors of another problem. Because studies use different injury definitions, training … Read more