2017 National Runner Survey - TrustedPartnercdn.trustedpartner.com/docs/library/RunningUSA2012/RunningUSA_NR… · Introduction and Methodology The National Runner Survey is a comprehensive

2017 National Runner Survey

Introduction

Table of Contents

A product of Running USA - Any publication, distribution, or disclosure of the contents of this report must properly reference the 2017 National Runner Survey and Running USA 2

Introduction and Methodology….

Executive Summary……………..

Demographics…………………..

Runner Profile……………………

Event Preferences……………….

Technology Use………………….

Running Preferences……………

Running Injuries………………….

3

4-8

9-10

11-19

20-29

30-34

35-36

37-38

Introduction and Methodology

The National Runner Survey is a comprehensive study designed to assess

the demographics, lifestyle, attitudes, habits and product preferences of the running population nationwide.

Initially launched in 2007, the National Runner Survey is distributed electronically

on an annual basis to race directors, media, running stores, brands and vendors, running clubs and others who frequent the running industry.

The National Runner Survey measures the following areas:

• Demographics • Sports Participation

• Technology • Runner Profiles • Running Preferences

• Event Preferences • Social Media Use • Sports & Fitness Products

• Training and Injuries

Field Dates: March 2017 - June 2017

6,800+ runners responded

Sample: Reflective of a convenience random sample.

Results reflective of core runners: • Active adult participants who tend

to enter running events and train year-round

• First-time runners invited to participate but the majority of responses came from core runners

Disclaimer: Results not reflective of the running industry as a whole A product of Running USA - Any publication, distribution, or disclosure of the contents of this report must properly reference the 2017 National Runner Survey and Running USA 3

Executive Summary: Runners

They skew female - 63%

U.S. runners represent an affluent, healthy target

3 in 4 supplement their running with other exercise

Half prefer to run alone

Average 21 miles a week and tend to run year-round


Executive Summary: Events


Runners attend events as both fun runners and competitors

Half are traditionalists and like participating in the same events every year, while an equal number are always looking for a new event experience

The half marathon continues to be the most popular event in terms of participation and favored distance

U.S. runners average 8 events in the past year, up from 7 events in 2015, and are planning on participating in 8 over the next year

While we have seen a decline in participation, 1/3 of runners actually plan to run in more events than in the past. Half plan to run in the same number

The top 5 factors impacting participation are: • Preferred distance • Date • Convenient location • Have time to train • Being healthy / injury

Executive Summary: Race Fees


Runners are divided on race entry fees:

• Half feel race fees are too expensive

• Cost/Entry is among the top 10 factors on the decision to register

• 6 in 10 would participate in more events if entry fees were lower

• Half believe they receive good value for their race entry fee

• Half would run in a lower cost no frills / less swag race, while about half would run in a higher cost fuller race experience / more swag

Executive Summary: Social Media


8 in 10 follow something running related on social media

About 4 in 10 like to share their running / race experience via social media

Facebook is the primary social media channel • 6 in 10 follow events

Over 4 in 10 on Facebook are: • Discussing running-related activities • Recruiting others to join them at an upcoming race • Tracking friends / family in a race • Posting running / race results, photos, and/or videos • Posting race results • Looking for running motivation and training advice

Executive Summary: Technology


About half of runners are connected. They run with a: • Smartphone • Sports watch • GPS item

More than 90% of runners wear a tracking device or watch

82% of runners like to use running apps to track their training

Demographics - Overview


37%

63%

Age

18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75+

1%5%

17%

27%28%

19%

4%

Gender

Marital Status

Married Single, Never Married

Divorced Domestic Partner

Widowed Separated

1%1%3%8%

20%

68%

Demographics - Overview


Household Composition %Number in Household1 142 323 164 235 or more 14Number of Children Under 19 in Household0 521 162 223 84 or more 3

Education %Currently full time student and under 19 4

Attended college 1-3 years 8Associate's Degree 6Technical or Trade Degree 2Graduated from 4-year college 36Post-graduate study without degree 6

Master’s degree 29Doctoral degree 8

EmploymentEmployed full-time 87Student 3Retired 3Homemaker 6Unemployed 2

Ethnicity %White/Caucasian 84Black/African-American 7Asian/Pacific Islander 6Hispanic 4American Indian 1Other 2

Annual Income (Employed)Less than $15,000 3$15,000-$24,999 3$25,000-$34,999 4$35,000-$49,999 12$50,000-$74,999 24$75,000-$99,999 15$100,000-$124,999 10$125,000-$149,999 4$150,000-$174,999 3$175,000-$199,999 1$200,000 or more 4Don't know/Refused 17

How Runners Classify Themselves


62%21% 15%

Frequent / Fitness Runner

Jogger / Recreational Runner

Serious / Competitive Runner

Runners primarily describe themselves as frequent / fitness runners, although that number decreased by 3% from 2015

Running Habits


13Years Running

21Miles per Week

The majority run throughout the year and at least 4 times a week

Run 12 months / year76%

Run at least 4 days per week

56%

The average number of miles per week run grew from 20 to 21 from 2016 to 2017

Running Motivators


Primary Motivation to Start Running %

For exercise 24Weight concerns 14Family / Friend encouragement 9To enter a race 8Competed in school and never stopped 8Because I enjoy it 6Needed a new challenge 6To relieve stress 6Health concerns besides weight 5To get in shape for another sport 3

Primary Motivation to Continue to Run %

Staying healthy 77

Staying in shape 73

Relieving stress 62

To enter / train for a race 62

Having fun 55

Achieving a goal 54

Meeting a personal challenge 53

Improving my state of mind 53

Controlling my weight 53

Improving speed or endurance 46

Socializing with friends/family/others 41

Appreciating nature, scenery 39

Being by myself for awhile 39

Getting into the natural environment 31

Competing against others 22

Stay injury free 13

Runners are motivated by a desire to stay healthy, stay in shape, relieve stress, and enter / train for a

race - consistent themes from year-to-year

Running Goals for 2017


Stay healthy Set a new PR Run a new race Lose weight Run a marathon Keep a running streak Run 2017+ miles Run 1+ mile/day

3%5%

13%

29%32%

40%43%

68%Runners are very goal oriented – almost all have one.

In 2017, runners want to:

• Stay healthy • Run personal bests • Have new running experiences

Regular Activities as Part of Running


Warm up/stretch

Use machines/weights

Walk Bike Yoga/Pilates

Hike HIITTraining

Spin Swim Aerobics Crossfit FormDrills

9%10%11%14%

18%21%21%

26%27%

47%49%

55%

Running Preferences


Preferred Time of Day to Run

Early AM 64% Mid-Morning 25% Noon 6% Early Afternoon 6% Mid-Afternoon 11% Early Evening 39% Late Evening 9%

Regular Running Workouts

Easy Runs (aerobic) 86% Long Runs (> 1 hour) 79% Hill Training 44% Pace Workouts 44% Tempo Runs 38% Recovery Runs 31% Fartlek 17% Pickups 8%

By Self 55% With one other person 16% In a group 14% No preference 16%

Paved Path 67% Urban Road 54% Park 47% Rural Road 44% Dirt Trail 40% Outdoor track 20% Mountains 16% Treadmill 14% Beach 12%

Regular Running Workouts

How Prefer to Run

Favorite Running Venues/Surfaces

Favorite Season to Run


Fall is runners’ favorite season to run – followed by spring.

Summer and winter are by far the least preferred seasons.

What Prevents Running Outside?

7% run outside no matter the conditions.

Ice is the biggest running hazard, followed by not feeling safe and

windchill.

TooIcy

Don't Feel Safe

Windchill Too Low

Too Rainy

Too Dark

TooCold

TooHot

Nothing

7%

31%31%34%35%

44%48%

69%

10% 34% 11% 46%

Running Group Involvement


LocalRunning Club

Social Groups /Informal Groups

Running Store Group Runs

Virtual Running Club /Challenge Group

MeetUpRunning Group

RRCA USA Track & Field

None

40%

4%6%6%

11%

18%

29%

34%6 in 10 runners

are part of a group

1 in 3 are involved in a local running club or social

group / informal group

1 in 10 are part of a virtual

running club / challenge group

What Runners Carry


Smart Phone 59%

GPS Item 44%

Sports Watch 51%

Sunglasses 44%

Keys 43%

Hat / Visor 40%

Items Regularly Run with… %Personal ID 34%Fitness tracker (i.e. FitBit) 30%Water bottle 28%Energy bars/gel 24%Portable audio system/ipod/MP3 23%Hydration accessories (belt, backpack) 21%SpiBelt (or similar waist belt) 21%Sunscreen 20%Reflective Gear 19%Heart rate monitor 18%Cash/Credit Card 17%Chapstick/Lipgloss 16%Compression Gear 15%Sports Drink 9%Sweatband 8%Dog 7%Pepper Spray 7%Sleeves 4%Toilet Paper 4%Inhaler 4%

Attending Running Events As…


Competitor Fun Runner Outdoor EnthusiastFitness Participant

15%37%56% 52%

Favorite Race Distance


10K

Half Marathon

Marathon12K, 15K & 10 Mile

14%5K

13.1 Continues to be the favored distance, growing 3% overall from 2015 to 2016

18%6%

43%

10%

Event Participation


Distance % Entered Last 2 Years % Most Interested in Entering in 2017

5K (3.1 mile) 82 56

Half Marathon (13.1 miles) 80 75

10K (6.2 mile) 67 56Marathon (26.2 miles) 43 41

12K, 15K or 10 mile 37 30

4 mile, 8K or 5 mile 33 21

Fun Run or Untimed Run 24 8

Trail Race 23 23

Road Running Relay 13 12

Triathlon/Duathlon 12 13

Mud/Obstacle 10 10

Color 8 5

1 mile or 2 mile 11 6

Glow / Night 8 7

20K, 25K or 30K 7 8

Ultra Distance (more than 26.2 miles) 8 10

Untimed walk event 6 2

Cross-Country Race 5 5

Average Number of Events Finished Past

12 Months

8

Average Number of Events Plan to

Enter Next Year

8

Holiday Event Participation


Thanksgiving Fourth of July St. Patrick's Day54% 26% 20%

New Years Christmas Halloween Valentine's Day18% 15% 13% 8%

Event Participation


Decrease Same Increase

Last Year 20% 50% 30%

Next Year 8% 56% 36%

Last year, 20% decreased and 30% increased their race participation

This is likely to change in the coming year – only 8% plan to decrease and 36% will increase

Half Marathons / Marathons Finished


0 1 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 25 25 or more

5%1%3%

5%

10%14%

8%

15%

38%

13%

4%

9%13%

20%16%

7%8%10%

Half Marathon Marathon

9 in 10 have finished a half marathon

6 in 10 have finished a marathon

45% have plans to run a marathon in the next year

Top Factors Effecting Race Participation


81% Preferred Distance

78% Date of Event

70% Location is Convenient

67% Have Time to Train

67% Health / Injury

66% Sounds Fun

65% Chip Timed

61% Scenic Course

59% Cost / Entry Fee

58% Reputation of Event Organizers

Other Factors Affecting Race Participation


Importance of Factors in Determining Event Participation %

Accurate, certified course 52%

Medal or other momento for finishers 49%

Quality t-shirt 44%

Fun post race experience 38%

It benefits an important cause 35%

No crowds/traffic/hassles expected 34%

My friends are doing it 34%

Promise of a unique event 31%

It is an event I participated in before 29%

Fast course 26%

Free race photos or videos 24%

Entertainment on course or finish 24%

Importance of Factors in Determining Event Participation %

Good age group awards 19%

Sustainable event / has an environment initiative 18%

There is an expo 15%

Qualifier 15%

Recycled/Sustainable race t-shirt 12%

Something offered for other family members 11%

It is a new event 10%

Has a social media app / site for sharing experience 10%

Random participant awards 10%

Appropriate training group is available 6%

Race is part of a local grand prix 5%

Elite runners in the field 5%

Expo has guest speakers I am interested in meeting 4%

Women only event 4%

Primary Source of Race Information


Facebook

Word of Mouth

Individual race website

Registration website

Running store

Local club / city website

Race calendar apps

National website

Expos

Regional / state website

National magazine

Local publication

Instagram

State or regional publication

Twitter

GroupOn / Living Social / Rush49 2%

4%

4%

5%

9%

9%

10%

11%

15%

18%

18%

23%

27%

35%

37%

43%

Facebook, referrals, and individual race

websites are key channels for race

information, followed by registration websites.

Event Attitudes and Behaviors


Running Event Attitudes & Behaviors %Social media is my first choice for event information 28%

You should only get a race finisher medal for a half marathon or marathon 27%

I prefer larger races to smaller races 26%Race medals are getting too big 23%I like to take pictures while I am participating in an event 20%There are too many events to choose from 16%

I would pay more for a VIP race experience (i.e. race day packet pickup, access to special porto potties, front on the starting line access, etc.)

15%

I don't care about my race time 12%I would prefer to participate in events as a group versus individually 11%I like events were I can dress up in a costume / there is a theme 9%I prefer untimed events to timed events 3%

Running Event Attitudes & Behaviors %I prefer a tech finisher t-shirt to a cotton finisher t-shirt 73%

It is easy to find an event I want to participate in 73%

I would participate in more events if entry fees were lower 62%I prefer traditional to non-traditional (i.e. mud, obstacle, color) running events 58%

Race fees are too expensive 56%

I receive good value for my race entry free 51%

I like participating in the same events every year 49%I am always looking for a new event experience 48%I like to share my race experience with others via social media 45%I wish races offered something other than a finisher t-shirt for SWAG 40%You should get a race finisher medal for finishing shorter distances like a 5K or 10K 33%

Follow on Social Media


RunningStores

RunningBrands

LocalRunners

EliteRunners

Bloggers Celebrities None ofThese

I don't follow any running-related

accounts

21%

16%

5%

19%

29%32%

37%40%

Running App Usage


I like to have / track all of my running statistics

It helps me train better (i.e. track progress, avoid injuries, etc.)

It makes me feel good to see what I ran

I like to share the information with others on social media

I like to see how I compare to other runners

I like to share the information with a running coach

Everyone else is using them so I do too 2%

7%

15%

17%

61%

65%

82%

Technology and Running


Activities Phone / App on Phone Watch Wearable Tracking

Device Online Website

Track mileage 45% 48% 23% 12%

GPS 36% 52% 16% 4%

Track nutrition / calories 29% 7% 5% 6%

Track steps 21% 28% 26% 2%

Map routes 38% 17% 8% 24%

Play music 55% 4% 4% 1%

Training programs 22% 8% 4% 18%

Tracking workouts 40% 34% 17% 12%

Interval training 17% 27% 9% 4%

Virtual coach 11% 4% 2% 4%

None of these 8% 8% 11% 9%

Social Media Use


Activities % Who Do Activity Facebook Twitter Instagram PinterestFundraise for a charity event 62% 7% 26% 1% 7%

Discuss running-related activities 62% 11% 16% 1% 7%

Look for running motivation 49% 6% 21% 1% 9%Recruit others to join me at an

upcoming race 49% 6% 16% 0% 11%

Share your current training 47% 6% 10% 1% 11%

Communicate with training partners 43% 8% 20% 13% 10%

Recruit others to train with you 42% 4% 7% 0% 13%

Post your race results 42% 9% 20% 1% 11%

Follow events 40% 5% 7% 1% 14%Post general running photos and

videos 38% 6% 9% 8% 13%

Look for running training advice 37% 3% 6% 0% 15%

Track friends / family in a race 33% 5% 12% 0% 15%Follow other runners (non-

professional) 31% 2% 5% 0% 17%

Follow professional runners 29% 4% 10% 0% 16%

Post your mileage / running routes 29% 4% 6% 0% 17%

Post race photos and videos 26% 11% 18% 1% 15%

None of these 15% 22% 20% 24% 12%

Tracking Mileage, Goals and Time


App on my phone

Hard copy log or journal

Computer software (i.e. XL or Word)

Online software (i.e. coach gives a program)

None, do no track at all 9%

14%

15%

23%

63%

The vast majority of runners track their mileage,

goals, and times, with nearly two-thirds using their

phone as the primary tracking

tool.

Running Preferences


Run in a lower-cost, no frills, less swag race 55%

Run in a higher-cost, fuller experience, more swag race 45%

Run outside during harsher weather 57%

Run inside during harsher weather 43%

Only run as exercise 23%

Supplement running with other exercise 77%

Stretch 71%

Not stretch 29%

Run on trails 37%

Run on the roads 64%

Run with a watch or tracking device 93%

Run without a watch or tracking device 7%

Run with music 60%

Run without music 40%

Share your running with others on social media 35%

Keep my running to myself and close friends 65%

Runners Want to Learn About…


Best places to run when on vacation

Best places to run in your area

How to avoid injuries

How to cross train to supplement your running

Easy way to find races to participate in

What to eat before a big race

How to select the best running shoes

What pace you should run when racing

How to be safe when running

How to run in inclement weather

How to find a good running coach

How to run at night 12%

14%

20%

26%

31%

34%

35%

38%

42%

46%

47%

49%

Running Injuries (Past 12 Months)


Blisters Knee Hips Plantar Fasciitis

Foot IT Band Syndrome

LowerBack

Shin Splints

Hamstring Calf Ankle Achilles Tendon

Stress Fracture

Quadriceps None

23%

2%3%

7%8%9%

10%11%11%

12%13%14%14%

22%

29%

75% have had a running-related injury in the past 12 months

50% have had their training curtailed for more than 4 days due to a running-related injury

How to Deal with Running Injuries


TakeTime Off

TakeAnti-

Inflammatory

Stretch Ice CrossTrain

RunThrough

It

Seek Advice From

Other Runners

SeekAdviceOnline

SeeDoctor

27%27%29%32%32%

53%57%58%

66%

2017 National Runner Survey

To learn more and stay up-to-date on all the most recent Running USA research, please visit

www.runningusa.org


2017 National Runner Survey - TrustedPartnercdn.trustedpartner.com/docs/library/RunningUSA2012/RunningUSA_NR… · Introduction and Methodology The National Runner Survey is a comprehensive

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