The 2024 Year in Sport report by Strava is here.
The annual report offers a detailed exploration of what was hot and trending in the running world this year by combining data from billions of activities uploaded by its 135 million users. Beyond the miles logged and kudos given, the report also highlights how running has grown and changed from a social, cultural, and technological point of view.
Let’s delve into the year’s key trends and what they reveal about the changing face of running.
The Rise of Social Running
Running, once considered a solitary pursuit, has increasingly become a communal activity. According to Strava’s data, there was a 59% increase in running clubs on the platform and an 18% rise in group runs involving 10 or more participants.
The benefits of running with others also seem to go far beyond just social connection:
- Group activities averaged 40% longer durations than solo runs, meaning when you’ve got others to suffer with, motivation goes through the roof.
- Group runs also received up to 55% more kudos, meaning the more, the merrier (and more kudos).
For many runners, these connections are a key motivator. Among Gen Z users, 66% reported making new friends through running groups, and 55% cited social connections as their main reason for joining. The trend also reflects bigger, more significant lifestyle shifts, with Strava noting that individuals are now four times more likely to prefer meeting new friends in fitness groups than in bars.
The Most Social Running Cities in the World
The report also highlighted the cities with the highest “matched run” rates:
South Jakarta 🇮🇩 78%
Fortaleza 🇧🇷 57%
Leeds 🇬🇧 54%
Lyon 🇫🇷 52%
Valencia 🇪🇸 48%
New York City 🇺🇸 48%
Performance and Accountability
The social aspect of running isn’t just about building relationships—it also seems to be a performance enhancer. Strava’s data from the Year in Sport Report showed that:
- 43% of runners joined group activities to improve their performance.
- 34% cited group accountability as a key motivator for sticking to their training plans.
What does this mean? Well, group running has a dual benefit: a stronger sense of community and potentially even some measurable gains in training consistency and goal achievement.
In terms of nitty gritty stats, the average workout on the platform in 2024 was 53 minutes, with more than half of users surveyed saying they aim to workout for 45-60 minutes tops. Just 16% of users targeted workouts longer than 60 minutes.
Overall, the average pace for runners on Strava was 10:15/mile, or 6:22/km.
A noticeable trend among marathon runners on Strava was a pivot towards taking more rest. In a typical 16-week marathon training cycle, the average runner training for a marathon took 51% of the days as rest days from running, with 54 days with no activity logged at all on the platform.
That said, marathons were still very popular in 2024, seeing a 9% increase as a goal event for Strava users from 2023.
Gear That Shaped the Year
Running gear is always a big topic of conversation, and 2024 saw some big developments in gear tech, with many brands reaching new peaks in functionality and innovation. Strava’s insights into shoe and wearable trends highlight the evolving priorities of modern runners.
Everyday Running Shoes
#1. Nike Pegasus
A consistent favorite known for its versatility and comfort, perfect for daily training.
#2. HOKA Clifton
Renowned for its cushioning, making it a go-to choice for distance runners and those seeking joint-friendly options.
#3. ASICS Gel Nimbus
Trusted for its durability and support, particularly among marathoners.
Race-Day Favorites
Nike Vaporfly Next%
The Nike Vaporfly Next% has revolutionized the running world with a full-length carbon fiber plate and Nike’s ZoomX foam and remains a top choice for 5Ks, half-marathons, and marathons.
Nike Alphafly Next%
The Nike Alphafly Next% has carved out its own place as a top-tier racing shoe with dual Zoom Air pods in the forefoot, paired with a carbon plate and ZoomX foam.
Wearable Technology
Wearables are an essential piece of technology for runners who are tracking performance.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 and Apple Watch SE were the most popular GPS. 92% of marathoners opted for GPS watches over phones to log their runs, prioritizing lightweight, distraction-free tracking during long races (which I mean, it is a bit surprising that 8% are still opting to use their phones!).
Running (And Coffee) Becoming a Trendy Lifestyle
Beyond the physical benefits, running has become a cornerstone of a healthier lifestyle (#runclub). Strava’s data captured over 80 million sunrise activities in 2024, showing the growing number of early birds choosing a morning run as the preferred way to start the day.
For many, running has replaced traditional social outings, with coffee stops becoming a signature part of group activities:
- Group runs often included pauses for café breaks, with 16% of activity time on group weekend runs spent stopped.
- Activities with “coffee” in their title logged an average of 46 minutes of paused time.
This cultural shift underscores how running is evolving into an experience that combines fitness, social connection, and lifestyle.
Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport report provides a clear picture of how running is evolving. It is no longer just about individual performance or physical health; it’s in the middle of another social and cultural boom.
Read the full report HERE.
