- Running is often used as a complementary sport: in short, not all runners run just to run but consider running as complementary to another discipline.
- The main reasons are that it helps improve stamina, physical fitness and mental well-being.
- What will the future of running look like? Less competitiveness, more focus on health, and more.
Lately, we’ve noticed a risk: seeing running as “The Sport”.
It’s natural—we talk about running all the time. But there’s a danger in thinking it’s the only sport that matters, or that it’s for everyone. In other words, seeing running as both the means and the end.
That’s simply not true—or at least, not for everyone. For many, running is a complementary activity, not the main event. Think of triathletes, for whom running is just one-third of their training. Boxers, gym-goers, and athletes from various disciplines also use running as just another way to move—not the only way.
It’s interesting to note that these people aren’t a small minority. So, we did some research to find out just how many runners use it as a secondary workout.
Running isn’t for everyone, but it belongs to everyone
According to ISTAT (Italy’s National Institute of Statistics), around six million people in Italy ran regularly in 2017. But here’s the catch: only 77% considered running their main sport. The remaining 23% used it as a secondary workout. In other words, almost a quarter of Italian runners don’t run for the love of it—they run because it serves another purpose.
It’s worth looking at how this changed by 2021, partly due to the pandemic. According to ISTAT’s Sport, Physical Activity, and Sedentariness report, the percentage of people doing no physical activity at all dropped from 37.5% to 33.7%.
The gender gap is also closing. In 2021, 39.8% of men in Italy participated in sports on a continuous or occasional basis, compared to 29.6% of women—a nearly 30% increase since 2000.
How often do people move? In 2021:
- 16.8% exercised less than once a week
- 49.2% worked out once or twice a week
- 34% exercised three or more times a week
This trend isn’t just local. In 2017, an estimated 620 million people worldwide practiced some form of running, from casual jogging to competitive racing. In the European Union, running consistently ranks among the most practiced physical activities. In Italy, it’s the fourth most popular sport—after fitness, soccer, and swimming. In the U.S., roughly 50 million people (about 15% of the population) run regularly.
Running beyond competition
A final note on racing: not every runner competes. In 2018, there were 7.9 million race finishers worldwide, down from 9.1 million in 2016. However, race participation has since rebounded.
Why (also) run?
Why do athletes from other sports feel the need to run? The answer is simple: because running works.
It builds endurance, improves fitness, helps with weight management, and boosts mental well-being. And you don’t have to be a marathoner to benefit.
Here’s why people who already train in other sports also lace up their running shoes:
For endurance and performance
Soccer players, cyclists, and boxers use running to build stamina and cardiovascular fitness. This is known as cross-training, an essential strategy for improving overall performance and preventing injuries.
For health and fitness
Many athletes run to stay in shape, control their weight, or improve their general conditioning—even if their main sport is something else.
For mental well-being and stress relief
Running is proven to lift mood and reduce stress. Many athletes use it as a psychological reset, a moment to clear their minds and recharge.
Another key factor? Running has a low entry barrier. It requires no special skills, can be done alone, at any time of day, and offers freedom from gym-related anxieties—many people avoid gyms due to fear of judgment. Plus, it’s cost-effective: minimal gear, no memberships, and no need for special facilities. As they say, the road is the runner’s gym.
The future of running as a secondary sport
Running has evolved significantly in recent years. Between 2006 and 2016, the number of runners in Italy grew by 50%. Globally, the trend followed suit. However, since 2018, race participation has slightly declined—perhaps a sign that competitive running has reached its peak. But should we really use race participation as a measure of running’s popularity?
Looking ahead, some trends seem set to strengthen:
- Less competition, more well-being
More people are running for health, not personal records. - We’ll be slower—but there will be more of us
As the average age of runners rises, so will race times. But in reality, running is expanding to a broader demographic. - Technology will play a bigger role
Today, 75% of athletes use smartwatches and apps to track their runs. Expect even more tech integration in the future. - More inclusion, more women
In 2018, for the first time ever, women outnumbered men in race participation. This trend is likely to continue, making running more inclusive than ever. - Running as a secondary workout will keep growing
More athletes from other sports will adopt running as a key part of their training.
For many, running will never be the sport. But it will always be a key tool for fitness and performance. And maybe that’s its greatest strength—being accessible, effective, and adaptable to any goal.