National Running Report 2024: Shaping The Future Of The Running Industry

In collaboration with England Athletics (EA), Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is proud to share the National Running Report 2024. First presented by England Athletics at TRC24, the report gives valuable insights and a comprehensive analysis of running participation trends, motivations and the impact of running on health and well-being. The report is an invaluable resource for further understanding the running habits of individuals across the UK and Ireland. Here, we share a snippet of the key findings from the report.

The Growing Role of Running In Health and Wellbeing

The report reveals that 29% of the UK population, equivalent to 16 million people, have run at least once in the last three months, with an average frequency of five times a month. Among these, 7.7 million individuals run weekly, and 2.5 million have started running in the last three months.

The primary motivators for running include:

  • Physical health benefits (62%)
  • Mental health improvement (34%)
  • Weight management (34%)
  • Enjoying the outdoors (24%)
  • Encouragement from others (17%)

Additionally, 44% of non-runners—an estimated 17.2 million people—would consider taking up running under the right conditions, such as having a running partner, a structured plan, or the right gear.

Clubs, Communities and Groups

England Athletics reports that 15% of runners are currently a club member, and +37 new clubs were registered in 2024. Options for social running are increasing, with Strava clubs, running shop groups and social meet-ups boosting the running community. These smaller groups help break down barriers to joining larger running organisations where female runners are notably less likely to join, citing feeling they may be too competitive.

Health and Longevity

Organised initiatives like parkrun continue to boost well-being, life satisfaction, and the economy. With 28% of individuals reporting that they would start running if advised by their doctor, encouraging patients to participate in a weekly parkrun by walking or running can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and may also aid in treating depression. Parkrun has a return of £16.70 in benefits for every £1 spent, including £10 on healthcare benefits, making it one of the most valuable resources in the UK for increasing physical activity.

Volunteers In Sport

Current statistics indicate that individuals who run and volunteer regularly tend to be happier. The positive association between engagement in sport and mental wellbeing continues to rise on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. With an average UK wellbeing score of 45, that number increases to 56 for those who volunteer and run weekly.

With 20% of runners volunteering in the sport, the primary influence listed is to give back to the community (35%) with other motivators including:

  • For learning and development (27%)
  • To be sociable or meet new people (25%)
  • Supporting family involved in running events (18%)
  • Giving back to their running club (6%)

Launch of One-Pager Promoting The Impact Of Running

In addition to the National Running Report, England Athletics has created a helpful tool to advocate for more significant investment in running and physical activity. The one-pager features key statistics and additional health-related insights. The data shows the economic and social value of running, highlighting how investment in running can address increasing mental health concerns and help reduce healthcare costs.

The one-pager has been designed to be folded into wallet size, and whilst it is targeted at a main audience of APPG/MPs it is useful for anyone working in the business of running.

You can download the one-pager HERE . 

​Check out the England Athletics RIA Alliance Partner profile here  .