A Study On Consumer Perception Towards

2017 National Runner Survey
Table of Contents
Introduction and Methodology…. 3
Executive Summary…………….. 4-8
Demographics………………….. 9-10
Runner Profile…………………… 11-19
Introduction
Event Preferences………………. 20-29
Technology Use…………………. 30-34
Running Preferences…………… 35-36
Running Injuries…………………. 37-38
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
The National Runner Survey is a Field Dates: March 2017 - June 2017 The National Runner Survey
comprehensive study designed to assess measures the following areas:
6,800+ runners responded
the demographics, lifestyle, attitudes, habits • Demographics
and product preferences of the running Sample: Reflective of a convenience • Sports Participation
population nationwide. random sample. • Technology
• Runner Profiles
Results reflective of core runners:
Initially launched in 2007, the National • Running Preferences
• Active adult participants who tend
Runner Survey is distributed electronically to enter running events and train • Event Preferences
on an annual basis to race directors, media, year-round • Social Media Use
• First-time runners invited to
running stores, brands and vendors, running • Sports & Fitness Products
participate but the majority of
clubs and others who frequent the running • Training and Injuries
responses came from core runners
industry.
Disclaimer: Results not reflective of the running industry as a whole

Executive Summary: Runners
Average 21 miles a week and tend to run year-round
3 in 4 supplement their running with other exercise
They skew female - 63%
U.S. runners represent an affluent, healthy target
Half prefer to run alone
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
Age
28% 27%
19%
17%
Gender
4% 5%
1%
37% 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75+
63% Marital Status

68%
20%
8%
3% 1% 1%
Married Single,   Divorced Domestic   Widowed Separated

Never Married Partner
Demographics - Overview
Household Composition % Education % Ethnicity %
Number in Household Currently full time student and White/Caucasian 84
4
14 under 19 Black/African-American 7
1
Attended college 1-3 years 8
2 32 Asian/Pacific Islander 6
Associate's Degree 6
3 16 Hispanic 4
Technical or Trade Degree 2
4 23 American Indian 1
Graduated from 4-year college 36
5 or more 14 Other 2
Post-graduate study without
Number of Children Under 6 Annual Income (Employed)
degree
19 in Household
Master’s degree 29 Less than $15,000 3
0 52
Doctoral degree 8 $15,000-$24,999 3
1 16
Employment $25,000-$34,999 4
2 22
Employed full-time 87 $35,000-$49,999 12
3 8
Student 3 $50,000-$74,999 24
4 or more 3
Retired 3 $75,000-$99,999 15
Homemaker 6 $100,000-$124,999 10
Unemployed 2 $125,000-$149,999 4
$150,000-$174,999 3
$175,000-$199,999 1
$200,000 or more 4
Don't know/Refused 17
How Runners Classify Themselves
Jogger / Serious /
Recreational Runner
21% 15%
Competitive Runner
Runners primarily describe

themselves as frequent / fitness
runners, although that number
62%
decreased by 3% from 2015 Frequent / Fitness
Runner
Running Habits
76% Years Running 13

56%
Run 12 months / year Run at least
Miles per Week 21
4 days per week
The majority run throughout the year

and at least 4 times a week
The average number of miles per week run

grew from 20 to 21 from 2016 to 2017
Running Motivators
Primary Motivation to Start Running % Primary Motivation to Continue to Run %
For exercise 24 77
Staying healthy
Weight concerns 14
Staying in shape 73
Family / Friend encouragement 9
Relieving stress 62
To enter a race 8
8 To enter / train for a race 62
Competed in school and never stopped
Because I enjoy it 6 Having fun 55
Needed a new challenge 6 54
Achieving a goal
To relieve stress 6
Meeting a personal challenge 53
Health concerns besides weight 5
Improving my state of mind 53
To get in shape for another sport 3
Controlling my weight 53
Improving speed or endurance 46
Socializing with friends/family/others 41
Runners are motivated by a desire to stay healthy, Appreciating nature, scenery 39

stay in shape, relieve stress, and enter / train for a Being by myself for awhile 39
race - consistent themes from year-to-year 31
Getting into the natural environment
Competing against others 22
Stay injury free 13
Running Goals for 2017
Runners are very goal oriented – almost all

68% have one.
In 2017, runners want to:
• Stay healthy
43% • Run personal bests
40%
• Have new running experiences
32%
29%
13%
5% 3%
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
Regular Activities as Part of Running
55%
49% 47%
27% 26%
21% 21%
18%
14%
11%
10% 9%
Warm up/  Use machines/  Walk Bike Yoga/  Hike HIIT  Spin Swim Aerobics Crossfit Form 
stretch weights Pilates Training Drills
Running Preferences
Paved Path 67%
Easy Runs (aerobic) 86%
Urban Road 54%
Long Runs (> 1 hour) 79%
Park 47%
Hill Training 44%
Rural Road 44%
Pace Workouts 44%
Dirt Trail 40%
Tempo Runs 38%
Outdoor track 20%
Recovery Runs 31%
Mountains 16%
Preferred Time of Fartlek 17% How Prefer to Run Treadmill 14%
Pickups 8%
Day to Run Beach 12%
Early AM 64%
Mid-Morning 25% By Self 55%
Noon 6% With one other person 16%
Early Afternoon 6%
In a group 14%
Mid-Afternoon 11%
Early Evening 39% Regular Running No preference 16%
Late Evening 9% Regular Running Favorite Running
Workouts Venues/Surfaces
Workouts
Favorite Season to Run
Fall is runners’ favorite season to

run – followed by spring.
Summer and winter are by far the

least preferred seasons. 10% 34% 11% 46%
69%
What Prevents Running

Outside?  48%
44%
7% run outside no matter the 35% 34%

31% 31%
conditions.
Ice is the biggest running hazard,  

followed by not feeling safe and
7%
windchill.
Too  Don't   Windchill   Too   Too   Too  Too  Nothing

Icy Feel Safe Too Low Rainy Dark Cold Hot
Running Group Involvement
40%
6 in 10 runners
are part of a 34%
group
29%
1 in 3 are
involved in a
local running
club or social
group / informal 18%
group
1 in 10 are part
11%
of a virtual
running club / 6% 6%
challenge group 4%
Local  Social Groups /  Running Store   Virtual Running Club /  MeetUp  RRCA USA   None
Running Club Informal Groups Group Runs Challenge Group Running Group Track & Field
What Runners Carry
Items Regularly Run with… %
Personal ID 34%
Fitness tracker (i.e. FitBit) 30%
Water bottle 28%
Smart Phone Sunglasses Energy bars/gel 24%
59% 44% 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%
Sports Watch Keys Chapstick/Lipgloss 16%
51% 43% Compression Gear 15%
Sports Drink 9%
Sweatband 8%
Dog 7%
Pepper Spray 7%
Sleeves 4%
GPS Item Hat / Visor Toilet Paper 4%
44% 40% Inhaler 4%
Attending Running Events As…
56% 52% 37% 15%
Competitor Fun Runner Fitness Participant Outdoor Enthusiast
Favorite Race Distance
13.1
Continues to be the favored
distance, growing 3% overall
43%
from 2015 to 2016
14% 18% Half

Marathon
5K 10K
6% 10%
12K, 15K & Marathon
10 Mile
Event Participation
Distance % Entered Last 2 Years % Most Interested in Entering in 2017
5K (3.1 mile) 82 56
8 Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
10K (6.2 mile)

80
67
75
56
Marathon (26.2 miles) 43 41
12K, 15K or 10 mile 37 30

Average Number of
4 mile, 8K or 5 mile 33 21
Events Finished Past
12 Months Fun Run or Untimed Run 24 8
Trail Race 23 23
Road Running Relay 13 12
8
Triathlon/Duathlon 12 13
Mud/Obstacle 10 10
Color 8 5
1 mile or 2 mile 11 6
Glow / Night 8 7
Average Number of 20K, 25K or 30K 7 8

Events Plan to Ultra Distance (more than 26.2 miles) 8 10
Enter Next Year Untimed walk event 6 2
Cross-Country Race 5 5
Holiday Event Participation
Thanksgiving Fourth of July St. Patrick's Day

54% 26% 20%
New Years Christmas Halloween Valentine's Day

18% 15% 13% 8%
Event Participation
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
Decrease Same Increase
Last Year 20% 50% 30%
Next Year 8% 56% 36%
Half Marathons / Marathons Finished
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

38%
20%
16%
15% 14% 13% 13%
10% 10%
8% 8% 9%
7%
5% 5%
4%
3% 1%
0 1 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 25 25 or more
Half Marathon Marathon
Top Factors Effecting Race Participation
81% Preferred Distance 66% Sounds Fun
78% Date of Event 65% Chip Timed
70% Location is Convenient 61% Scenic Course
67% Have Time to Train 59% Cost / Entry Fee
67% Health / Injury 58% Reputation of Event Organizers
Other Factors Affecting Race Participation
Importance of Factors in Determining Event Participation % Importance of Factors in Determining Event Participation %
Accurate, certified course 52% Good age group awards 19%

Medal or other momento for finishers 49% Sustainable event / has an environment initiative 18%
Quality t-shirt 44% There is an expo 15%
Fun post race experience 38% Qualifier 15%
It benefits an important cause 35% Recycled/Sustainable race t-shirt 12%
No crowds/traffic/hassles expected 34% Something offered for other family members 11%
My friends are doing it 34%
It is a new event 10%
Promise of a unique event 31%
Has a social media app / site for sharing experience 10%
It is an event I participated in before 29%
Random participant awards 10%
Fast course 26%
Appropriate training group is available 6%
Free race photos or videos 24%
Race is part of a local grand prix 5%
Entertainment on course or finish 24%
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 43%
Word of Mouth 37%
Individual race website 35%
Registration website 27%
Facebook, referrals, Running store 23%
and individual race Local club / city website 18%

websites are key Race calendar apps 18%
channels for race National website 15%
information, followed by Expos 11%
registration websites.
Regional / state website 10%
National magazine 9%
Local publication 9%
Instagram 5%
State or regional publication 4%
Twitter 4%
GroupOn / Living Social / Rush49 2%
Event Attitudes and Behaviors
Running Event Attitudes & Behaviors % Running Event Attitudes & Behaviors %
I prefer a tech finisher t-shirt to a cotton finisher t-shirt 73% Social media is my first choice for event information 28%
It is easy to find an event I want to participate in 73% You should only get a race finisher medal for a half marathon or
27%
I would participate in more events if entry fees were lower 62% marathon
I prefer traditional to non-traditional (i.e. mud, obstacle, color) I prefer larger races to smaller races 26%
58%
running events Race medals are getting too big 23%
Race fees are too expensive 56% I like to take pictures while I am participating in an event 20%
I receive good value for my race entry free 51% There are too many events to choose from 16%
I like participating in the same events every year 49%
I would pay more for a VIP race experience (i.e. race day packet
I am always looking for a new event experience 48% pickup, access to special porto potties, front on the starting line 15%
access, etc.)
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% I don't care about my race time 12%
You should get a race finisher medal for finishing shorter distances like I would prefer to participate in events as a group versus individually 11%
33%
a 5K or 10K I like events were I can dress up in a costume / there is a theme 9%
I prefer untimed events to timed events 3%
Follow on Social Media
40%
37%
32%
29%
21%
19%
16%
5%
Running  Running  Local  Elite  Bloggers Celebrities None of  I don't follow  
Stores Brands Runners Runners These any running-related  
accounts
Running App Usage
I like to have / track all of my running statistics 82%
It helps me train better (i.e. track progress, avoid injuries, etc.) 65%
It makes me feel good to see what I ran 61%
I like to share the information with others on social media 17%
I like to see how I compare to other runners 15%
I like to share the information with a running coach 7%
Everyone else is using them so I do too 2%
Technology and Running
Phone / App on Wearable Tracking
Activities Watch Online Website
Phone Device
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 Pinterest
Fundraise 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
49% 6% 16% 0% 11%
upcoming race
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
38% 6% 9% 8% 13%
videos
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-
31% 2% 5% 0% 17%
professional)
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 63%
The vast majority

Hard copy log or journal 23%
of runners track
their mileage,
goals, and times,
with nearly two-
thirds using their Computer software (i.e. XL or Word) 15%
phone as the
primary tracking
tool.
Online software (i.e. coach gives a program) 14%
None, do no track at all 9%
Running Preferences
Run in a lower-cost, no frills, less swag race 55% Run on trails 37%
Run in a higher-cost, fuller experience, more swag race 45% Run on the roads 64%
Run outside during harsher weather 57% Run with a watch or tracking device 93%
Run inside during harsher weather 43% Run without a watch or tracking device 7%
Only run as exercise 23% Run with music 60%
Supplement running with other exercise 77% Run without music 40%
Stretch 71% Share your running with others on social media 35%
Not stretch 29% Keep my running to myself and close friends 65%
Runners Want to Learn About…
Best places to run when on vacation 49%
Best places to run in your area 47%
How to avoid injuries 46%
How to cross train to supplement your running 42%
Easy way to find races to participate in 38%
What to eat before a big race 35%
How to select the best running shoes 34%
What pace you should run when racing 31%
How to be safe when running 26%
How to run in inclement weather 20%
How to find a good running coach 14%
How to run at night 12%
Running Injuries (Past 12 Months)
29%
75% have had a running-related injury in  

the past 12 months 23%
22%
50% have had their training curtailed for more

than 4 days due to a running-related injury
14% 14%
13% 12%
11% 11%
10%
9%
8%
7%
3%
2%
Blisters Knee Hips Plantar   Foot IT Band   Lower  Shin   Hamstring Calf Ankle Achilles   Stress   Quadriceps None
Fasciitis Syndrome Back Splints Tendon Fracture
How to Deal with Running Injuries
66%
58% 57%
53%
32% 32%
29%
27% 27%
Take  Take  Stretch Ice Cross  Run  Seek Advice   Seek  See 
Time Off Anti-  Train Through  From   Advice  Doctor
Inflammatory It Other Runners Online
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

A Study On Consumer Perception Towards

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2017 National Runner Survey

Executive Summary…………….. 4-8

Runner Profile…………………… 11-19

Technology Use…………………. 30-34

Running Preferences…………… 35-36

Running Injuries…………………. 37-38

Disclaimer: Results not reflective of the running industry as a whole

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

3 in 4 supplement their running with other exercise

They skew female - 63%

U.S. runners represent an affluent, healthy target

Half prefer to run alone

The top 5 factors impacting participation are:

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

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

8 in 10 follow something running related on social media

Facebook is the primary social media channel

Over 4 in 10 on Facebook are:

About half of runners are connected. They run with a:

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

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

63% Marital Status

Married Single, Divorced Domestic Widowed Separated

Runners primarily describe

76% Years Running 13

The majority run throughout the year

The average number of miles per week run

Improving speed or endurance 46

Socializing with friends/family/others 41

Runners are motivated by a desire to stay healthy, Appreciating nature, scenery 39

Stay injury free 13

Runners are very goal oriented – almost all

In 2017, runners want to:

Fall is runners’ favorite season to

Summer and winter are by far the

What Prevents Running

7% run outside no matter the 35% 34%

Ice is the biggest running hazard,

Too Don't Windchill Too Too Too Too Nothing

56% 52% 37% 15%

Competitor Fun Runner Fitness Participant Outdoor Enthusiast

14% 18% Half

8 Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

10K (6.2 mile)

12K, 15K or 10 mile 37 30

Road Running Relay 13 12

Average Number of 20K, 25K or 30K 7 8

Thanksgiving Fourth of July St. Patrick's Day

New Years Christmas Halloween Valentine's Day

Decrease Same Increase

Last Year 20% 50% 30%

Next Year 8% 56% 36%

6 in 10 have finished a marathon

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

Half Marathon Marathon

78% Date of Event 65% Chip Timed

70% Location is Convenient 61% Scenic Course

67% Have Time to Train 59% Cost / Entry Fee

67% Health / Injury 58% Reputation of Event Organizers

Accurate, certified course 52% Good age group awards 19%

Expo has guest speakers I am interested in meeting 4%

• Half feel race fees are too expensive 

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

Married Single,   Divorced Domestic   Widowed Separated

Ice is the biggest running hazard,  

Too  Don't   Windchill   Too   Too   Too  Too  Nothing

75% have had a running-related injury in  