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The rise of the running influencer

Over the past year there has been a surge of the so called ‘running influencers’ on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, promoting running clubs, their training and the rise of the Sunday long run. Creating communities of sometimes thousands, these influencers are inspiring people to pick up running shoes and try the sport, sometimes for the first time ever or equally for the first time in a while. More and more people are getting out running and subsequently entering races, varying from park run 5k races to ultramarathons in hopes of crossing the finish line. Glasgow recently hosted the Great Scottish Run in October, compromising of junior races, a 10k and a half marathon in which the turnout was one of the biggest yet. 

 

There isn't a doubt that there has been an increase in those running, and you can't help but wonder if there is a correlation between social media and the increase in numbers. Are these running influencers creating such an impact that so many more people are deciding to pick up a pair of running shoes?

 

From what it looks like, I believe they are. Before the rise of the running community on these social media platforms, running was somewhat of an overlooked hobby by those that did not already do it. Most people would see runners on the street and wonder why on earth they would put themselves through that willingly, whilst others would scoff and say, “You'll never catch me doing that on a Sunday morning”, which perhaps, some will still definitely say. However, there has been a large shift of young adults who are joining in with the Sunday running club, with many running influencers on social media starting their own clubs and meet-ups. As a result, many more people are documenting their journey of getting in to running on social media, especially on platforms such as TikTok. This has most definitely created a buzz around the sport which has spiralled into the creation of a whole new running community which is only continuing to grow. 

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