Why is everyone running half marathons? This was a question my mate posed to me in my first year, and one I now seek to answer. Through social media posts and the general UofG grapevine, you could not scroll three posts without seeing someone holding a marathon medal all sweaty and smiling. At the time, I thought to myself – what are they smiling about? Perhaps this is just another algorithmic taunt about my own fitness insecurities. However, the consistency – particularly among second-year students – made me wonder, is there more to it? Does this represent a widespread trend among all university students? What is it about modern society that has prompted this? Why is it that everyone’s running half marathons?
Through social media posts and the general UofG grapevine, you could not scroll three posts without seeing someone holding a marathon medal all sweaty and smiling.
To preface, I write this after having begun training for the Edinburgh half marathon in May. Although I am acutely aware of the irony, I would like to explore why I picked up my Hokas and braved the Scottish weather for a health kick in my second year.
From a purely personal reflection, I can deduce some reasons. Being part of a sports society, having been a fresher mere months ago, and having been very fortunate with my first-year mates, I can honestly say my reasoning is mostly that I’m burnt out. The nights out, the drinking, and a badminton team holiday to Albufeira – it’s exhausting. Although this is not a universal experience, I think there is pressure in university to always be ‘that guy’. The one always up for a night out, always down to get absolutely plastered, and the one who never worries about 9am lectures. Even if no one explicitly brings it up to you and even if your friends are like-minded, I believe a broader pressure still exists and it can become isolating. This has meant that rather than attend socials or go on nights out, I’ve sought something else to occupy my time. What better way is there than running and then insisting people follow my Strava so they can see that I am running? However, my experience is just that – mine. Although not everyone will have experienced the same thing, I believe first-year burnout can be a contributory factor. Even so, there must be something else going on.
If you’ve been keeping up to date with current news stories, you are bound to have heard something about Gen Z not being as alcoholic as their predecessors. A 2023 survey by the National Union of Students revealed that 81% of students still view drinking and getting drunk as part of university culture. However, a survey by Drinkaware found that a quarter of individuals aged 18 to 24 are now completely sober. This is double the rate of our parents’ generation. So why the disparity?
However, a survey by Drinkaware found that a quarter of individuals aged 18 to 24 are now completely sober.
One culprit could be the rising “health” culture among young people exacerbated by social media. Gymfluencers, in particular, are reshaping the priorities of our generation. A survey by PureGym found that 21% of students would prioritise a gym membership over other expenses, such as eating out (13%) and holidays (11%). Moreover, a survey by The Guardian in January 2024 revealed that more than half of individuals join a gym to address health. However, it would be inaccurate to say that every university student is turning up at the gym with the sole intention of improving their cardiovascular endurance. The intense and increasingly toxic focus on body image is more likely responsible. A parliamentary publication found body dissatisfaction is particularly prevalent among university students, with 80% acknowledging its negative impact on mental health. So, is this what’s prompting every university society to start a run club? A focus on health and improving body image? Maybe.
In an age of disconnection, is the growth of running and run clubs especially a soft cry for in-person engagement from a generation lost in modernity?
There may be a more endearing reason. Internet friends, online dating, Zoom calls, recorded lectures – there seems to be a tech word before every formerly social activity. In an age of disconnection, is the growth of running and run clubs especially a soft cry for in-person engagement from a generation lost in modernity? According to Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport Trend Report, which examined data from more than 135 million people across over 190 countries – there was a 59% increase in running club participation in 2024. So, this craving for in-person connections is not exclusive to the UK, Gen Z, or university students.
Run clubs can be a great place to meet people and engage with them in a way that encourages vulnerability. More and more of us are seeking relief from digital disillusionment while becoming more comfortable in our bodies.
Perhaps, this growth in running is a solution to a wider problem facing society. As a Gen Z myself, I certainly feel as though there is a general feeling that we are growing increasingly sick of the impact social media and technology have on our social lives. Although I doubt Instagram and Snapchat will be collapsing into liquidation upon the publication of this article, maybe they ought to watch this space. Running is an activity more focused on health than on body image. Run clubs can be a great place to meet people and engage with them in a way that encourages vulnerability. More and more of us are seeking relief from digital disillusionment while becoming more comfortable in our bodies. So, my advice would be – run a half marathon! But don’t you dare ask for my Strava.
