Surge in Global Marathon Participation
A new study by Apple, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the American Heart Association has revealed a surge in marathon participation around the world. The study, which included over 250,000 participants, delved into training habits and engagement with marathon distances, specifically focusing on the 26.2-mile challenge.
Between November 2019 to January 2024, there was a noticeable surge in global marathon participation. During this timeframe, more than 1,500 runners participated in an impressive total of 2,623 marathons, with the months of October and November emerging as peak months for marathons.
Analysis of workout data revealed that half of the participants would walk or run the distance in 90 days or less, indicating a noteworthy level of fitness among the cohort. Furthermore, a subgroup of over 200,000 participants who logged at least one walking or running workout showcased promising achievements in distance.
Among walkers, approximately 54 per cent covered a minimum of 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) in their longest walk, while nearly 14 per cent exceeded the 10-kilometer mark. Notably, only a small fraction, just over 1 per cent, managed to reach a half-marathon distance or beyond in a single walk.
Similar trends were seen among runners, with about half of them achieving a 5-kilometre distance in their longest run. Approximately 20 per cent of the participants have completed at least one 10-kilometre run, while an impressive 7 per cent of participants have covered a distance of one half-marathon or greater in a single run.
The study also provided insights into training and recovery patterns. Analysis of average weekly running distances revealed a tapering phenomenon, which is characterised by a reduction in mileage three to four weeks preceding a marathon, followed by a sharp decline post-event. Additionally, 43 per cent of participants exhibited an increase in VO2 Max, a measure of aerobic fitness, in the final two weeks of training compared to the preceding period.
Interestingly, the top 10 per cent of finishers showed a higher average weekly running distance, approximately 25 kilometres (16 miles) more, in the lead-up to the marathon compared to other participants.
