Year of the Run: The Perfect Time to Try Hybrid Training
In the realm of fitness and wellness, this year so far has had a notable surge in one particular activity: running. Unofficially labelled the “Year of the Run”, 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the number of individuals lacing up their sneakers, hitting the pavement, and looking to achieve more beyond attending regular sessions inside the gym.
What’s got everyone lacing up their sneakers, you ask? Well, it’s a mix of things, really. It would seem like majority of people who already train inside a studio are looking for more. Whether it’s volume in their training regime, competitions and races to strive towards or further opportunities to connect with people, the general consensus is that running provides a great foundation for peak performance and allows people to diversify their training to meet certain goals. The general population is also finally waking up to the fact that being healthy is actually pretty cool. And what’s cooler than riding that post-run endorphin high, right?
The numbers don’t lie. Strava reported that women under the age of 25 are the fastest-growing community on their app and the group that are most likely to be tracking their runs. They also published that these Gen Z runners reported being highly motivated by performance and aesthetics, but continue to crave a sense of community. The Hoka Half Marathon reported that their event in May 2024 saw an increase in registrations by 6,000 people, selling out weeks in advance and over 75% of entrants hit the pavement for the first time. The London Marathon made some pretty crazy history this year too, with facilitating more than 500,000 runners – an all time high for the organisation. And, they already have over 800,000 entrants for 2025. Marathons and half marathons are getting more sign-ups than ever before, and local running clubs are popping up left, right, and center. It’s like the whole world’s gone running mad, and we’re totally here for it.
Okay, so everyone’s out running right, but it’s not just the seasoned pros getting in on the action. Nope, we’re talking total beginners too! Running seems to resonate deeply with individuals from all walks of life, breaking down the barriers of age, background, and fitness level. From seasoned athletes striving to push their limits, performance and stroke their competitive streak to novices taking their tentative first steps, getting amongst it for the social aspect or just beginning to learn about the benefits of hybrid training the allure of getting out there running is captivating to all.
In this “Year of the Run,” the running community has flourished, fostering a sense of connection and mutual support that is as palpable as it is inspiring, as the running community is all about lifting each other up and cheering each other on. Through social media, apps like Strava, and local running clubs, enthusiasts have found a sense of belonging and connection, sharing their triumphs, challenges, and invaluable tips with one another. There’s a real sense of camaraderie that’s just infectious.
Advancements in technology have definitely served to change the game here too, making it more accessible and inclusive than ever before. We’ve got tech tracking our every step, from watches and smartphone apps to the introduction of AI Personal Trainers. It’s like having a personal coach in your pocket, cheering you on, pushing you to go that extra mile and taking the guess work out of how to simply get started.
So, as we look back on 2024 so far, it’s clear that running isn’t just a trend – it’s a movement. It’s about pushing yourself, finding that inner strength you never knew you had and securing that longing that we all so deeply have for belonging and connection. And hey, who knows what the future holds? Maybe next year we’ll all be swapping our cars for running shoes.
So, here’s to the “Year of the Run” – may it inspire us all to lace up, hit the pavement, and hit our hybrid training goals, one stride at a time.
