Young people and women lead the global growth of the marathon

Without a doubt, sports like running have earned a prominent place in people's lives, transcending generations and borders. Their popularity not only remains the same, but continues to grow.

See also: (This is the new footwear that Nike brings for those who live by running )

A clear example of this boom occurred in 2024, when the world's major marathons broke historic records . The New York City Marathon reached a new milestone with 55,646 finishers, surpassing the numbers set by Berlin in September (54,280) and Paris in April (54,175).

These figures confirm not only the growing interest in the sport, but also its democratization: more and more people, of different profiles and ages, are daring to run the demanding 42 kilometers.

Read also: (Stair climbing: the daily exercise with great benefits for body and mind)

But who is running more? The data reveals a striking phenomenon: the participation of young runners is on the rise. In particular, the 20-24 age group grew from 5% to 8% since 2021, highlighting Generation Z's interest in the marathon.

Within this trend, young women are leading the way. According to Strava figures, 20% of women who ran marathons in 2024 belonged to Generation Z, surpassing men in the same age group (15%).

This shift reveals not only a growing interest in the physical challenge, but also in the social and emotional component that this type of event offers. For many young female runners, the marathon represents a personal challenge, a form of empowerment, and an opportunity to strengthen their support networks.

PORTFOLIO