July 9, 2024 – Running USA today unveiled a new research report titled Industry Insights: A Look at the Country’s Top Races, offering an in-depth look at the top 100 largest races in the U.S. prior to the pandemic in 2019 and how those events and their participation changed as the industry began to return to normalcy in 2023. This trend report is now available for download.
Foundation and Contributing members of Running USA can access the report for free, while Basic level members can obtain it at a 50 percent discount. Non-members can purchase the report for $300.
A webinar reviewing highlights from the report will be held July 24 at 2pm ET. You can sign up here.
In collaboration with Athlinks, Running USA has conducted a thorough analysis of race finisher data from 2019 and 2023, presenting the most accurate depiction of the running event industry’s recovery post-pandemic. The report delves into the types of events and geographic locations that are thriving, as well as areas that still have growth potential and participation trends by demographic. It includes a detailed breakdown of the top 100 timed races in the United States and comparative data between 2023 and 2019.
“This side-by-side comparison paints an accurate picture of the recovery the industry has experienced since the height of the pandemic,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “It also shows us the difference in the speed at which some races and distances have recovered and the encouraging trajectory we are seeing across the country.”
The running industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with 2020 seeing a near halt in activities. Following more than a year of canceled, virtual-only, or reduced-capacity events, a substantial recovery began in the fall of 2021. Although 2021 and 2022 experienced a gradual return to normalcy amidst various restrictions, supply chain issues, and participant hesitance, 2023 and 2024 have marked record participation levels for many events. Even those events yet to reach 2019 numbers show a promising upward trend.
The report not only examines individual events but also highlights the top 25 event weekends in 2023, considering all timed race distances, including kids’ runs and pet-friendly dashes. Additionally, it lists the top ten events in each state, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the running event industry.
For more information and to download the report, visit runningusa.org today.
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.
