Why is everyone running?

Running is a sport both loved and hated, with little grey area to be found. But the crowds of runners on the streets can’t be ignored. As far as sports go, it’s likely the easiest to dive head first into, solo or by joining one of many motivational facebook running groups. With a list of health benefits, as long as a three kilometre run, there are plenty of reasons to put on your gear and give it a go - but what about the negatives? The toxicity growing in the running community can often barrel out of control, and is arguably worsening. Despite that, let’s discuss the start of the running craze. 

Nielson, official research for World Athletics, found that since Covid-19 began there has been an increase in running participation, dubbed the ‘pandemic-era running boom’. With the closure of gyms, workout classes, or any outsourced hobby, the world was left with empty schedules and barren routines. What else was left to do but dust off your running shoes, stretch out those stiff muscles, and get outside? With our goals being sidelined, the craze of running captured a community; especially those in their 20s, they were forced to find new endeavours to source motivation and there’s nothing like a rigorous training plan to give you that sense of purpose.

It was quick to see a quick jog around the block turn into planning a marathon.  With running, it is something that certainly earns bragging rights when stating ‘Yes, I have ran a marathon’. And with the exercises ability to be so inclusive, anyone can have that ability to reach marathon potential. Which only allowed the community of runners to grow rapidly, allowing everyone to claim a new sense of direction; to work on themselves, mentally and physically.

As the running movement has expanded, people are quick to forget running is not just about wearing matching gym sets and taking pictures in your new shoes, it’s also renowned for its multiple health benefits. Improved cardio health is the most obvious, as a lower heart rate offers better overall fitness, but there are many others that improve. Regular running schedules lead to restful sleeping, which can only mean an improved, retentive memory and will eventually give you enough energy to run that daunting marathon. When regarding mental health, adding a jog to your daily life can significantly improve wellbeing – reaching new heights with each run can be a high like no other, dubbing it ‘the runners high’.

A healthier lifestyle becomes an ideal when you find yourself becoming a runner, such as cutting back on drinking and increasing that ‘clean eating’ you see encouraged all over your social feeds. Aside from personal lifestyle, there is a community of runners that also believe it could be a key solution to the ‘loneliness epidemic’ (coined by U.S. surgeon general) the world has found itself in.

Despite the numerous positives not to be ignored, there are doubtless toxicities .This obsession with sharing running journeys has correlated dangerously with the rates of disordered eating seen today Dr Carolyn Plateau, sports psychologist at Loughborough University, comments that the past 20 years have seen athletes now have a higher likelihood of developing disordered eating. Particularly for those who, during adolescence, struggled with eating and now use exercise and controlled meals as a stress coping mechanism. In addition, long term effects of running can cause severe injuries; such as shin splints and fractures. Without correct stretching, severe injuries can occur such as, fractures and shin splints.

And when it comes to extremities in life, the world of social media soon catches on and the infamous need to show off online for likes, clicks and views takes over life's simple pleasure. This is seen in the running community, with apps like strava and tiktok influencers only celebrating the successful runs and fast times, making those who want to start out intimidated by the bar that has been set. Therefore, although the romanticising and picture perfect output of a sport that can have so many shortcomings, it's hard to see it as an inclusive movement.

However, after all, running is a sport that should never be feared. The communities can cure loneliness and boost self-esteem, and the exercise alone will put you on top of the world. The benefits it can give you should pull you into a world of Hokas and overpriced Oakley glasses. Don’t let social media stop you from finding your runners high.

Edited by Phoebe Huzij