Researchers revealed that millions of Americans are into marathons and considering themselves as runners. Millennial runners claim that they fully embraced the running industry as a lifestyle trend.
The Millennial Running Study surveyed people who are born between 1980 and 1990 who have finished the race, asking about their inspiration for finishing the race. Most of the millennial said they are running to improve their health.
"It is a key finding because this generation struggles with obesity," said lead researcher Amy Thayer. It is also a way to lose weight and get in shape for the millennial, according to Naple Daily News.
"Running is the most economical way (for millennial) to get the most bang for their buck.' "From there, the motivation was to continue on to do more so that it has become a lifestyle," she added. The president of gulf Coast Runners named Mitch Norgart said that almost 1,200 people who already joined their 40-year-old group.
"There's no question that the millennials are starting to show up at our races in greater numbers," Norgart said. "Three to five years ago, that age group from 20 to 30 was very lightly attended. Nowadays, that age group is not only showing up, but they're racing and taking the sport of running more seriously than any time in the past," he added.
According to The Columbian, the experience prefigures for major races like Boston and New York City marathons. But according to Thayer, the millennial thinks that they should search for smaller races that are well-organized and offers challenges that fit their favors.
Companies like Pacers have already invested in their social media to communicate to the runners. Last January, the company offers the "Finisher Zone" which offers real-time results, comparative data, and customized finisher's certificate to different media stage. According to Kathy Dalby, a chief executive and partner at pacers"We're not going to be doing super-huge races; it's not in our DNA,"
