The world of running is experiencing a new boom. Progressively more runners appearing in parks, streets and gyms, a surge in numbers on marathon registration lists (with a total of 494 marathons in Europe alone), and a huge increase in women taking up running in the last year are just some of the signs highlighting what is now known as the ‘second running wave’.
Yet how did this latest boom come about? Why is it that we run?
ASICS decided to find the answer by conducting the biggest runners research ever; and for ASICS, it was research with a difference. Since its launch in 1949, ASICS has become an authority in the field of running thanks to its continuous studies into the behaviour of the runner’s body. To celebrate its 60th birthday this year, which in Japanese culture marks the end of one life cycle and the beginning of another, ASICS realised it was the perfect time to take its expertise and research to another level and become the authority in yet another field – that of the runner’s mind.
In the biggest study of its kind ever, the independent research institute Synovate asked runners to take part in a consumer research survey that would reveal the ‘why?’ behind their actions. More than 3,500 runners across seven European countries took part, and the results recorded are a representation of the 80 million runners in Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
| ASICS’ ‘Reasons to Run’ research delivers some intriguing results on the diversity between why and how the Hardworking Germans, Sunny French, Ambitious Italians, European Belgians, Persistent British, Down-to-earth Dutch, and Passionate Spanish run. For a quick look at their profiles, click here. |
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The Persistent British runner
For a nation of runners who enjoy the sport the least (only 17% admitted ‘fun’ as a reason to start, and 25% as a reason to continue), the Persistent British runner’s perseverance is highly admirable. Their sense of duty sets them apart from the rest of Europe, yet it turns out that it is all too easy for them to find an excuse so as not to run. More than any other European country, they cited ‘too dark outside’ (31%), ‘any excuse will do’ (32%), and ‘my favourite TV program is on’ (16%) as reasons to avoid a session. As a nation that does not like the outdoor aspect of running (only 19% like the fact that it is an outdoor sport), it is hardly surprising that they are the highest percentage of runners who run in the gym (34% compared to 4% of French). Gym membership fees aside, they like the fact that it is an affordable sport (45%) and that, for 22% (the highest figure in Europe), it helps take their mind off financial worries. In fact, with 13%, the British are the highest percentage of runners who run more since the beginning of the current credit crunch. Their primary concern for running is to lose weight, on average 4.7kg (compared to the 9.5kg the Dutch runner wishes to lose).
The following sections summarise the results ASICS’ extensive ‘Reasons to Run’ research provided, and each pays particular attention to the fascinating differences between nations.
- The British runner vs. the European runner
- Reasons to run (for the British runner)
- The mind of the British/European runner
- The body of the British/European runner
- The social side of running
- Sixty years of ASICS
1) Method of research
The study, conducted by the international market research institute Synovate, asked more than 3,500 runners from seven European countries about their running reasons and habits. The survey covered runners aged between 15 to 65 years in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy. An average of 500 runners from each country were approached to take part, and their findings are representative of the 80 million runners (who run once a month or more) of all seven countries.
2) Need to know more?
The following pages provide an overview of the results compiled from this extensive ‘Reasons to Run’ survey. But they are just the tip of the iceberg. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, or if one of the facts provided makes you want to know more, then don’t hesitate to contact your local ASICS PR Manager.