New running boom?

A runner emerging from steps, seen from below.

I think that we might be seeing the start of a new running boom. There do appear to be more joggers on the streets and much more interest in events like the Sports Relief mile and 3k charity runs.

Great North Run

I watched the Great North Run (a half marathon road race in Newcastle Upon Tyne) on the TV; around 50,000 entrants ran. Granted this made it, not only Britains, but the worlds biggest half marathon. The number of entrants has steadily increased since it’s inception in 1981, as have many other less well know races held most weekends.

The Brand bandwagon

The other obvious indicator to a boom is when manufacturers / retailers start promoting more ‘running’ lines. JB Sports have been putting ‘specialised’ running sections in their shops for at least the last 6 months. Nike’s adverts have profiled road running, even collaborating with the high–tech fashion house Apple on an iPod add–on that can count your miles.

Other indications

More fitness inspired TV:

Granted this could just mean that Channel 4 have found a popular niche but I personally think it is an indication of a society that is starting to view inactivity and bad health choices as socially reprehensible.

As long as this doesn’t swing too far I think this change is all for the good. People do feel better and more confident when they are involved in regular exercise and running is probably the most simple and cheap form of exercise there is.

Photo is a slightly modified version of an original courtesy of Hughes Leglise–Bataille. Thanks Hugo.

Posted on 04/10/2006 08:34 pm by Jack Large

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