The World Needs More Runners
The world would be a better place if we all ran
According to AskWonder, in 2017, it was estimated that over 600 million people were runners. This represents about 8% of the population. In the United States, almost 50 million people ran or jogged at least once in 2021, which is about 15% of the population. Not only do these millions derive personal benefits from running such as improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced cancer rates, and increased cognitive abilities, but these runners provide broader benefits to society. I believe that if more people ran, this world would be a better place to live.
It’s not because runners provide a boost to the economy. The world running gear market is estimated at $42B in 2023. Whenever there is a running event in a city, there is a boost to the local economy. The major race in my city brings in about $30M in economic activity. Since I started running over 30 years ago, I have bought tons of shoes, socks, shirts, water bottles, and watches. Last year, I traveled to four different cities to race, spending a few thousand dollars every time. Moreover, with increased health and cognitive abilities, runners are more productive at work by taking fewer sick days and being more effective.
It’s not because the increased health of runners reduces the burden on the health care system…
