In this new data set, Running USA examines the performance of races in the first six months of 2024 and compares them to the same period in 2023. The findings reveal that many events have experienced impressive double-digit growth percentages, with some surpassing pre-pandemic participation levels. This surge reflects the industry’s ongoing recovery and continued expansion, providing a strong indicator of renewed vitality within the running community.

“The numbers don’t lie,” said Jay Holder, Running USA’s Executive Director. “In communities from coast to coast, more Americans are signing up for road races than they were last year. That’s because event organizers and their partners are delivering experiences in which everyone from beginners to elite runners want to take part.”

The report, made possible through Running USA’s collaboration with Athlinks, aggregates finisher data from timed and scored events. It aims to instill confidence within the industry by showcasing successful races and offering insights into effective strategies. By identifying key growth drivers and best practices, the report serves as a valuable resource for event organizers seeking to replicate success and foster further growth.

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The report is free for Foundation and Contributing members of Running USA, and offered at a 50 percent discount for Basic level members.

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.

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.

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The report includes insights on the decision-making, purchase behaviors,, athletic habits, s and charitable fundraising of the highly influential running community..

All organizations associated with the running industry, including events, brands and vendors, will find immense value in utilizing the survey results to inform their business decisions and customize opportunities that align with runner preferences.

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“Unlike Gen X and Boomers, who were interested in running to remain fit and healthy, Gen Z is different. For them, exercise isn’t about fitness, it’s about fun and purpose,” said Feldmann, Managing Director of INFLUENCE|SG.

Research pricing: Foundation and Contributing Level memberships receive the report free of charge, Standard Level Event/Vendors receive a 50 percent discount. Be sure to log into your membership account to see discounted pricing.

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The survey report provides valuable demographic insights to events and vendors that help us know how runners are thinking and feeling about event participation in the year ahead.

Among the information that can be found in the report:

• Despite the lifting of pandemic restrictions, virtual events remain very popular. Nearly half of respondents ran a virtual event in the last year
• The half-marathon remains runners’ favorite distance to race, followed by the 5K
• New to this year’s report is an analysis of runners’ spending on running and travel to races
• Snapshots of runner preferences by race and age are also included

Research pricing: Foundation and Contributing Level memberships receive the report free of charge, Standard Level Event/Vendors receive a 50 percent discount. Be sure to log into your membership account to see discounted pricing.

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Research pricing: Foundation and Contributing Level memberships receive the report free of charge, Standard Level Event/Vendors receive a 50 percent discount. Be sure to log into your membership account to see discounted pricing.

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Research pricing: Foundation and Contributing Level memberships receive the report free of charge, Standard Level Event/Vendors receive a 50 percent discount. Be sure to log into your membership account to see discounted pricing.

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Research pricing: Foundation and Contributing Level memberships receive the report free of charge, Standard Level Event/Vendors receive a 50 percent discount. Be sure to log into your membership account to see discounted pricing.

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With responses from more than 5,000 runners across the United States, the Runner Retention Survey is an in-depth report providing the running industry a starting point to start gaining answers as to why runners are leaving the sport and start gaining answers as to how organizers can attract new runners to their events.

Research pricing: Foundation and Contributing Level memberships receive the report free of charge, Standard Level Event/Vendors receive a 50 percent discount. Be sure to log into your membership account to see discounted pricing.

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