2026 Running Report: Executive Summary

Running is one of the most popular and accessible ways Americans get outside, and it is quietly changing. The 2026 Running Report gives brands and retailers a clear view of how road and trail running are growing and who today's runner really is.

In 2025, 52.3 million Americans ran on the road, more than a million more than the year before, and trail running climbed to 17.2 million. But the story underneath the numbers is a change in what it means to be a runner. Growth is coming from casual, lower-frequency runners who fold running into a wider mix of fitness and outdoor activities, while the dedicated core has softened. For brands and retailers, the opportunity is to reach this multi-sport, lifestyle runner and to tap into trail running, one of the fastest-growing and most diverse segments in the outdoors.

Inside the executive summary, you'll find the numbers and insights behind running's growth, including these highlights.

• Road running reaching 52.3 million participants in 2025, second only to hiking among outdoor activities, with more than a million added in a single year
• Growth led by casual runners, up about 7% a year, while core running has slipped 1.1%, a sign that running is becoming an add-on to other routines
• Trail running up 6.6% to 17.2 million participants, and up 57% since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the outdoors
• One of the most diverse and inclusive parts of outdoor recreation, with trail running drawing younger adults and balanced participation across income levels
• Strong crossover with walking, hiking, gym workouts, treadmill use, and yoga, pointing to a multi-sport, active lifestyle
• Clear regional priorities, with growth strongest in the South Atlantic, Pacific, West South Central, and Great Lakes regions while New England lags, and rising race costs a barrier to watch, especially on the trails

Download the executive summary to see where running participation stands today, how often people run, how they mix it with other activities, and who is on the road and trail, and to find the biggest opportunities for product, marketing, and long-term growth.