Annual industry research examines participation, event preferences, spending, technology use, fundraising and the evolving running community
(Sept. 14, 2026) – Running USA today released the 2026 Running USA Global Runner Survey, offering race organizers, brands, sponsors, nonprofits and other industry professionals a comprehensive look at the habits, preferences and perspectives shaping today’s running community.
Conducted from March through July 2026, the survey gathered feedback from more than 11,700 runners, joggers and walkers, providing one of the running industry’s most extensive sources of participant research. The 2026 Global Runner Survey is presented by ACTIVE Network, with support from partner Wahoo Fitness.
Cost for the survey is $299 for non-members of Running USA. Members at all levels receive the survey for free. Download is available here. (Members must login to receive the discounted rate.)
The running industry is seeing the impact of new participants entering the sport, expectations surrounding events evolving, and technology increasingly influencing how runners train, engage with events and make registration decisions. The Running USA Global Runner Survey is designed to help industry professionals better understand those changes and take action to meet them.
“The running community continues to evolve, and this year’s survey gives us a clearer picture of who is participating and what they’re looking for in their running experience,” said Dr. Michael Clemons, Director of Operations at Running USA. “For race organizers and others in the industry, the goal is to take this information and turn it into better decisions and better event experiences for participants.”
The 2026 report explores a wide range of topics affecting the business and experience of running, including:
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Demographics and participation
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Runner and walker profiles
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Event preferences and race selection
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Spending and travel behaviors
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Event merchandise and swag
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Event communications and social media
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Charitable fundraising
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Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
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Sport and fitness product preferences
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Brand preferences and technology use
The research provides actionable data for organizations throughout the running industry. Race directors can use the findings to better understand what participants value when selecting events, while brands and sponsors can gain insight into purchasing habits, product preferences and the ways runners interact with technology. The survey also provides information that can support marketing strategies, fundraising initiatives and efforts to improve the overall participant experience.
The Running USA Global Runner Survey sponsored by ACTIVE Network is the second-generation evolution of the research previously known as the National Runner Survey. Originally launched in 2007, the annual consumer survey examines the demographics, lifestyles, perspectives, habits and preferences of the running population. Download the survey today.
Running USA thanks the thousands of participants who completed the survey, along with the members, partners and organizations that helped distribute it to runners worldwide.
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.