Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (2024)

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A recent study shows a link between income and running participation

Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (2)

Brittany Hambleton February 9, 2024

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Running has the makings to be a low-cost sport: it requires relatively little equipment, you don’t need access to a special facility, rink or field and you don’t need to sign up for a league or join a team to participate. Despite all this, it appears that running has become more popular among the wealthier segments of society than any other group.

This raises an important question: is running a sport reserved for the rich? A recent study conducted on behalf of the Australian Sports Commission reveals a correlation between higher household income and participation in running.

Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (3)

Costs add up

One possible explanation for the correlation between higher household income and running participation is the cost associated with the sport. While running can be cheaper than sports like hockey, football or golf, running shoes, athletic clothing and race registration fees add up, making it seem like a sport tailored to the affluent. Access to well-maintained tracks, gyms and clubs is often easier for those who can afford memberships or live in areas with better infrastructure, and these financial barriers can inadvertently exclude individuals from lower-income backgrounds.

Media and marketing efforts by running brands also often portray running as a trendy fitness activity, which can attract those in higher socioeconomic groups who have the financial means to invest in their health and appearance.

Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (4)

Performance-driven personalities

One reason running appeals to high-income earners is their innate drive for achievement and competition. The disciplined nature of running allows them to carry a certain level of focus and effectiveness into other aspects of their lives. Running and other athletic pursuits provide an opportunity for setting personal goals and benchmarks, aligning with the goal-oriented nature of their professional lives.

Mental relief and health benefits

High income often comes with high stress. The demanding nature of high-stress jobs makes mental relief crucial for high earners. Running provides a healthy outlet for managing stress and preserving mental well-being, often replacing less beneficial coping mechanisms. Additionally, high earners are usually well informed about healthy lifestyles and recognize the physical health benefits of running. While the physical aspect is important, many runners often emphasize the mental benefits, finding solace, relaxation, and a meditative escape during their runs.

Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (5)

Making running more accessible

While it may be an oversimplification to suggest running is exclusively a rich person’s sport, there is evidence to suggest that high-income earners do gravitate toward running. Many runners who are not part of the top one per cent will likely agree that there are barriers to running participation for low-income earners. Making running more accessible for people of all income levels involves addressing both financial barriers and creating safe and pleasant spaces for running in all neighbourhoods.

By providing low-cost options for clubs and races and investing in well-maintained tracks, parks, and public spaces, we can provide equal opportunities for everyone to enjoy the benefits of running, regardless of their economic circ*mstances.

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Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (6)

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Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (8)

Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine (2024)

FAQs

Is running a rich person's sport? - Canadian Running Magazine? ›

High income often comes with high stress. The demanding nature of high-stress jobs makes mental relief crucial for high earners. Running provides a healthy outlet for managing stress and preserving mental well-being, often replacing less beneficial coping mechanisms.

Is running an expensive sport? ›

A survey of runners in the US revealed that the average runner spends approximately $1,000 every year on the sport. These expenses include gear and apparel, sport-specific gadgets, coaching services, and of course, races. Novice, intermediate, and veteran runners also spend just about the same amount.

How popular is running as a sport? ›

Around 50 million people in the United States run or jog1, while an estimated 621 million run worldwide2, making it one of the most popular sports across the globe. About 2.1 million people run a half-marathon each year, while 1.1 million run a marathon3. At least 50% of runners get injured4 each year.

Is running a good sport? ›

Regular physical activity such as running can significantly improve mental health, self-confidence, healthy ageing, and quality of life.

Why has running become so popular? ›

I've already begun to feel the physical and mental benefits that running can provide (increased energy in the morning, a brighter mood and higher self-esteem to mention a few), benefits I'd forgotten about during a long winter hunched over a screen with my running shoes hidden away like the shameful evidence of a ...

What is the cheapest sport to do? ›

With a little help from this list, your kids can keep playing the sports they love without emptying your wallet.
  • Soccer. 1 of 7. Contrary to what you might think, soccer can be a low-cost starter sport for kids. ...
  • Cross Country. 2 of 7. ...
  • Track and Field. 3 of 7. ...
  • Swimming. 4 of 7. ...
  • Baseball or Softball. 5 of 7. ...
  • Basketball. 6 of 7.

What is the most expensive sport to operate? ›

Formula 1. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of automotive racing and the most expensive sport in the world due to its immense financial demands and exclusive nature. Prospective drivers start as young as five or six, advancing through various racing levels in hopes of securing one of the 20 coveted seats.

In which country is running most popular? ›

Running is one of the most popular and practiced sports worldwide. In the United States alone, almost 50 million people participated in running and jogging in 2021. Meanwhile, walking for fitness drew more than 110 million participants in the U.S. in the same year.

Why is running so popular in 2024? ›

Running for Mental Well-being;

It's known to reduce stress levels, boost mood through the release of endorphins, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. In 2024, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, the therapeutic benefits of running have never been more crucial.

Is running a tough sport? ›

While soccer and other team sports can take a toll on the health of athletes, the mental and physical commitment required for running is often much more significant. Many of the runners interviewed expressed a similar feeling of anxiety and dread for the expected pain of running a cross country race.

What is the downside of running? ›

"A drawback to running is that the weight-bearing nature of the exercise can make it contraindicated for individuals with joint or bone injuries or limitations," Ford said. Studies have shown that running is more likely to lead to injuries, particularly among novice runners.

Is running an attractive sport? ›

Could the running path lead to love? If you're lucky! According to the survey, 76 percent of all runners (84 percent of males) believe that people look sexy when they're running and three-quarters agree that they'd be more attracted to someone if they found out he or she was a runner.

Is running is better than gym? ›

Both have different benefits, but both help you to lose weight. By combining both the activities, you will be able to burn a lot of calories in a day. But due to any reason if you have to make a choice between the two, then always opt for running as it will help you burn a greater number of calories.

Why running is so powerful? ›

“First and foremost, running is an aerobic sport,” Fitzgerald says. By training your body's aerobic (oxygen-sucking) metabolism, it strengthens your heart while lowering your resting heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Why do runners love running? ›

Running can also be used as a drug-free way to help treat clinical depression and other psychological disorders. Other psychological benefits of running include: Increased confidence as you reach for and achieve your distance goals. Relieved stress and the ability to cope with problems more effectively.

Why are humans so good at running? ›

Among the many adaptations in humans is a large butt. The gluteus maximus muscle fires when we run and it stabilizes our body and keeps us from falling on our face, Lieberman said. And then there's the great gift of perspiration. Humans are unusually adept at dissipating heat through sweat glands all over the body.

Is running considered a hard sport? ›

While soccer and other team sports can take a toll on the health of athletes, the mental and physical commitment required for running is often much more significant. Many of the runners interviewed expressed a similar feeling of anxiety and dread for the expected pain of running a cross country race.

Does running count as a sport? ›

Running is a sport which is very demanding. Is any advance preparation or additional exercising needed? The difference between running and walking is that, when you run, there is a stage when neither foot is touching the ground.

Is running a competitive sport? ›

running, footracing over a variety of distances and courses and numbering among the most popular sports in nearly all times and places. Modern competitive running ranges from sprints (dashes), with their emphasis on continuous high speed, to grueling long-distance and marathon races, requiring great endurance.

How expensive is it to play a sport? ›

Youth sports cost FAQ

As of 2022, the average family pays $883 annually for one child's primary sport, which is down 6% from pre-pandemic costs. Costs can fluctuate depending on your sport. For example, field hockey is generally more expensive to play than flag football.

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