Product Description
2025’s Top Races: Tracking Growth, is a new Industry Insights Report examining participation trends across the U.S. running event landscape. The findings are available for download.
The report shows that participation among the nation’s top races increased in 2025 compared to the previous year, with growth recorded across all major race distances, including the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon. Collectively, these results point to a resilient and steadily growing sport supported by strong demand from runners nationwide and beyond.
“This report reinforces what many organizers and partners are experiencing firsthand: runners are showing up, events are growing and the sport continues to move in a positive direction,” said Shawn K. Sullivan, Executive Director of Running USA. “From community 5Ks to world-renowned marathons, the data reflects a healthy ecosystem fueled by passionate participants, dedicated organizers and engaged communities.”
The report represents one of the most comprehensive compilations of participation data in the industry and includes rankings and analysis across multiple categories, including:
● Top races by major distance (5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon)
● Top races overall
● Top event weekends
● Year-over-year comparisons in finisher totals
The report also highlights notable performances from several of the world’s and nation’s most prominent events in 2025, reinforcing the continued global visibility and cultural relevance of distance running.