The end of the year is always a good time to look back and spot patterns. Strava’s Year in Sport report, based on billions of activities and surveys from athletes around the world, is full of insights. It reveals that runners have never been so focused on community, balance and the technology that accompanies them. In this article we take a deep dive into the trends that shaped running in 2025 and how you can use them to plan your 2026 season.

The rise of social fitness: running together

One of the most striking findings is that running with others has become the new night out. Strava detected a 59 % increase in participation in running clubs and group activities in 2025, and more than half of respondents said they had made friends through sport. A quarter of Generation Z even admitted to having dated someone they met in a training group. The explanation is simple: training with others brings motivation, commitment and fun. Group runs are up to 40 % longer than solo sessions, according to Strava, and the bonds created translate into more kilometres and better vibes. In Spain, the news site Soy Corredor points out that 59 % of Spaniards prefer to meet people through sport rather than in a bar.

• Running clubs and organised meet‑ups are growing in popularity.
• Social motivation increases the average duration of training sessions and reduces drop‑out rates.
• Social networks and training apps make it easier to create local communities.

It’s easy to embrace this trend: find a club in your neighbourhood, log your runs on platforms like Strava or SnapRace, or create your own group with friends. Community not only encourages you to get out the door, it can become a support network for events, travel and challenges.

Balance is king: shorter workouts and rest

Not long ago the culture of “no pain, no gain” dominated running. Today, however, sustainability is taking centre stage. Strava’s report shows that balance between effort and recovery is key: more than 84 % of users opt for sessions under an hour, and in marathon preparations rest days account for 51 % of the days leading up to the race. Overtraining leads to stagnation and injury, while a smart mix of intensity, volume and recovery enables steady progress. The trend is reflected in the rise of yoga, Pilates and meditation sessions recorded on the platform.

• Micro‑sessions (less than 20 minutes) have become popular to maintain consistency.
• Rest days are planned as part of training, not as a failure.
• Mobility work and mindfulness are integrated to prevent injury and calm the mind.

Practise a balanced approach in your own plan: alternate hard workouts with easy runs, include technique sessions and schedule active recovery. SnapRace can help you organise your calendar and send reminders so you don’t overdo it.

Cross‑training and strength: train differently, perform better

Another emerging trend is cross‑training. Strava notes that 87 % of elite runners and 82 % of professional cyclists complement their main discipline with other activities: swimming, indoor cycling, hiking, strength work or even team sports. This approach reduces the risk of overuse injuries, improves overall fitness and increases motivation. What’s more, those who combine sports are 17 % more likely to achieve their running goals. Added to this is the boom in super shoes and strength training, which is no longer considered the preserve of the gym: 61 % of women and 21 % of men log weight sessions on Strava, a figure that has grown by 25 % compared with the previous year.

• Strength training improves running economy and prevents injury.
• Low‑impact activities (bike, elliptical, swimming) help maintain fitness without stressing the joints.
• Cross‑training also has a mental component: variety prevents boredom and keeps you motivated.

If you haven’t tried cross‑training yet, start by adding one or two sessions per week of strength, yoga or cycling. There are plenty of free resources online and apps offering guided sessions. Remember that the Endurance .biz article about the Year in Sport 2025 highlights that more than half of Strava users already log multiple activities.

Technology and gear: the boom in devices and super shoes

The tech revolution continues. Strava’s report reveals that carbon‑plate shoes already account for 44 % of recorded marathons and that wearable sales are soaring, especially among younger generations. For 5 K races, the Apple Watch is the go‑to watch, while for longer distances the Garmin Forerunner remains the favourite. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence and data analysis allow runners to have virtual coaches that automatically adjust plans according to progress. Strava itself has boosted its routes feature and a new route is created every 19 seconds, according to its press release.

• Super shoes democratise performance: more and more amateurs are enjoying their responsiveness.
• Smartwatches offer advanced metrics such as power, heart rate variability and training status.
• Artificial intelligence is already being used to create personalised plans and adjust training loads in real time.

Investment and responsible use are key. Before buying, try different models and match the technology to your real needs. Remember that the best shoe is always the one that suits your biomechanics and your type of training, not the most expensive.

Running style and fashion: a more coordinated look

Running has entered the world of fashion. According to the report, 61 % of athletes value having their clothing coordinate, and among Generation Z this figure rises to 70 %. Style blends with functionality: technical fabrics, bright‑coloured shoes and matching accessories. Blue is set to be the dominant tone of 2026, according to various sports brands, and sock choices (knee‑high or no‑show) vary by age. This shows that 21st‑century runners care about their appearance and seek to feel good inside and out.

• Colour and style coordination boosts confidence during races.
• Brands launch specific lines for marathons and popular races, like the capsule collection for the Valencia Marathon we reviewed in our article on the 2025‑2026 marathon calendar and trends.
• Accessories (caps, arm warmers, socks) allow you to personalise your look without breaking the bank.

It’s not about spending more, but about finding clothes that fit your style and are comfortable and breathable. A look that makes you feel good can add extra motivation on tough days.

Generations: Generation Z is redefining running

Habits and motivations vary by age, and Strava’s data show that Generation Z is changing the rules. They are 75 % more likely than Generation X to choose an event or race as their main reason for training, and 64 % prefer to spend their money on sports gear rather than a date. For Gen Z, sport is a form of socialisation, wellbeing and self‑expression. They are also more receptive to using artificial intelligence as a coach and rely on social networks to discover new routes and clubs. This investment in fitness is maintained despite inflation: 30 % of Generation Z plan to spend more in 2026. The Endurance .biz article also notes that Strava clubs quadrupled in 2025, reaching one million groups, with spectacular growth in hiking and running.

• Generation Z seeks authentic, face‑to‑face experiences and moves away from passive social media.
• They invest more in technology and events that allow them to live an adventure.
• They are attracted to clubs and communities that combine sport, leisure and friendship.

For those belonging to other generations, this trend is an invitation to embrace new ways of living running. Sharing experiences with younger people can bring freshness and motivation, and adopting new technologies and training methods can help you keep improving.

Community and events: races are back on the calendar

After the pandemic, competitions returned with force, and 2025 consolidated this trend: Strava recorded a 9 % increase in the number of marathons and ultramarathons completed. The calendar is packed with popular events, from the World Marathon Majors to local races. Social connection and the desire for shared experiences drive runners to sign up for more races, while the growing supply of half‑marathons, trail events and 5 K races offers options for everyone. Run clubs are also organising themed runs, tourist routes and trips to participate in races in other cities.

• Major marathons remain aspirational goals and a form of sports tourism.
• Shorter races and trail runs are popular among those looking for accessible challenges and different landscapes.
• Sports leisure is becoming a way to travel and discover other cultures.

If you’re planning your 2026 season, check out our 2025‑2026 marathon calendar and trends to find races that match your goals. Taking part in events gives you a concrete target and lets you enjoy the running community.

How to use these trends in your training

• Join a club or create your own: share runs, take part in challenges and enjoy the social side of running.
• Plan rest and listen to your body: alternate hard sessions with easy runs and allow at least one day a week for active recovery.
• Include cross‑training: try yoga, cycling or strength work to improve your overall performance and reduce injuries.
• Use technology wisely: choose devices that provide relevant information and don’t get obsessed with every metric.
• Take inspiration from running fashion: choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident; your style is part of your identity as a runner.
• Set concrete goals: sign up for a race and prepare for it in advance; the motivation of a bib will help you stay consistent.

Integrate these trends with SnapRace

Besides looking at what millions of runners are doing, it’s essential to have tools that make it easy to track your progress. SnapRace is an app designed to turn every run into a competitive and motivating experience. With SnapRace you can:

• Join running communities, take part in challenges and compare your performance with friends and athletes around the world.
• Create bespoke routes, log your training and analyse metrics such as pace, distance and elevation.
• Receive notifications about local events and find training partners in your area.
• Sync your data with Strava and other platforms to get a complete view of your activity.

By incorporating SnapRace into your routine you can follow these trends closely, share your achievements with the community and stay motivated at every stage of your training. Try it and discover how it can help you reach your

Running trends 2025 according to Strava: what to expect in 2026

The end of the year is always a good time to look back and spot patterns. Strava’s Year in Sport report, based on billions of activities and surveys from athletes around the world, is full of insights. It reveals that runners have never been so focused on community, balance and the technology that accompanies them. In this article we take a deep dive into the trends that shaped running in 2025 and how you can use them to plan your 2026 season.

The rise of social fitness: running together

One of the most striking findings is that running with others has become the new night out. Strava detected a 59 % increase in participation in running clubs and group activities in 2025, and more than half of respondents said they had made friends through sport. A quarter of Generation Z even admitted to having dated someone they met in a training group. The explanation is simple: training with others brings motivation, commitment and fun. Group runs are up to 40 % longer than solo sessions, according to Strava, and the bonds created translate into more kilometres and better vibes. In Spain, the news site Soy Corredor points out that 59 % of Spaniards prefer to meet people through sport rather than in a bar.

• Running clubs and organised meet‑ups are growing in popularity.
• Social motivation increases the average duration of training sessions and reduces drop‑out rates.
• Social networks and training apps make it easier to create local communities.

It’s easy to embrace this trend: find a club in your neighbourhood, log your runs on platforms like Strava or SnapRace, or create your own group with friends. Community not only encourages you to get out the door, it can become a support network for events, travel and challenges.

Balance is king: shorter workouts and rest

Not long ago the culture of “no pain, no gain” dominated running. Today, however, sustainability is taking centre stage. Strava’s report shows that balance between effort and recovery is key: more than 84 % of users opt for sessions under an hour, and in marathon preparations rest days account for 51 % of the days leading up to the race. Overtraining leads to stagnation and injury, while a smart mix of intensity, volume and recovery enables steady progress. The trend is reflected in the rise of yoga, Pilates and meditation sessions recorded on the platform.

• Micro‑sessions (less than 20 minutes) have become popular to maintain consistency.
• Rest days are planned as part of training, not as a failure.
• Mobility work and mindfulness are integrated to prevent injury and calm the mind.

Practise a balanced approach in your own plan: alternate hard workouts with easy runs, include technique sessions and schedule active recovery. SnapRace can help you organise your calendar and send reminders so you don’t overdo it.

Cross‑training and strength: train differently, perform better

Another emerging trend is cross‑training. Strava notes that 87 % of elite runners and 82 % of professional cyclists complement their main discipline with other activities: swimming, indoor cycling, hiking, strength work or even team sports. This approach reduces the risk of overuse injuries, improves overall fitness and increases motivation. What’s more, those who combine sports are 17 % more likely to achieve their running goals. Added to this is the boom in super shoes and strength training, which is no longer considered the preserve of the gym: 61 % of women and 21 % of men log weight sessions on Strava, a figure that has grown by 25 % compared with the previous year.

• Strength training improves running economy and prevents injury.
• Low‑impact activities (bike, elliptical, swimming) help maintain fitness without stressing the joints.
• Cross‑training also has a mental component: variety prevents boredom and keeps you motivated.

If you haven’t tried cross‑training yet, start by adding one or two sessions per week of strength, yoga or cycling. There are plenty of free resources online and apps offering guided sessions. Remember that the Endurance .biz article about the Year in Sport 2025 highlights that more than half of Strava users already log multiple activities.

Technology and gear: the boom in devices and super shoes

The tech revolution continues. Strava’s report reveals that carbon‑plate shoes already account for 44 % of recorded marathons and that wearable sales are soaring, especially among younger generations. For 5 K races, the Apple Watch is the go‑to watch, while for longer distances the Garmin Forerunner remains the favourite. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence and data analysis allow runners to have virtual coaches that automatically adjust plans according to progress. Strava itself has boosted its routes feature and a new route is created every 19 seconds, according to its press release.

• Super shoes democratise performance: more and more amateurs are enjoying their responsiveness.
• Smartwatches offer advanced metrics such as power, heart rate variability and training status.
• Artificial intelligence is already being used to create personalised plans and adjust training loads in real time.

Investment and responsible use are key. Before buying, try different models and match the technology to your real needs. Remember that the best shoe is always the one that suits your biomechanics and your type of training, not the most expensive.

Running style and fashion: a more coordinated look

Running has entered the world of fashion. According to the report, 61 % of athletes value having their clothing coordinate, and among Generation Z this figure rises to 70 %. Style blends with functionality: technical fabrics, bright‑coloured shoes and matching accessories. Blue is set to be the dominant tone of 2026, according to various sports brands, and sock choices (knee‑high or no‑show) vary by age. This shows that 21st‑century runners care about their appearance and seek to feel good inside and out.

• Colour and style coordination boosts confidence during races.
• Brands launch specific lines for marathons and popular races, like the capsule collection for the Valencia Marathon we reviewed in our article on the 2025‑2026 marathon calendar and trends.
• Accessories (caps, arm warmers, socks) allow you to personalise your look without breaking the bank.

It’s not about spending more, but about finding clothes that fit your style and are comfortable and breathable. A look that makes you feel good can add extra motivation on tough days.

Generations: Generation Z is redefining running

Habits and motivations vary by age, and Strava’s data show that Generation Z is changing the rules. They are 75 % more likely than Generation X to choose an event or race as their main reason for training, and 64 % prefer to spend their money on sports gear rather than a date. For Gen Z, sport is a form of socialisation, wellbeing and self‑expression. They are also more receptive to using artificial intelligence as a coach and rely on social networks to discover new routes and clubs. This investment in fitness is maintained despite inflation: 30 % of Generation Z plan to spend more in 2026. The Endurance .biz article also notes that Strava clubs quadrupled in 2025, reaching one million groups, with spectacular growth in hiking and running.

• Generation Z seeks authentic, face‑to‑face experiences and moves away from passive social media.
• They invest more in technology and events that allow them to live an adventure.
• They are attracted to clubs and communities that combine sport, leisure and friendship.

For those belonging to other generations, this trend is an invitation to embrace new ways of living running. Sharing experiences with younger people can bring freshness and motivation, and adopting new technologies and training methods can help you keep improving.

Community and events: races are back on the calendar

After the pandemic, competitions returned with force, and 2025 consolidated this trend: Strava recorded a 9 % increase in the number of marathons and ultramarathons completed. The calendar is packed with popular events, from the World Marathon Majors to local races. Social connection and the desire for shared experiences drive runners to sign up for more races, while the growing supply of half‑marathons, trail events and 5 K races offers options for everyone. Run clubs are also organising themed runs, tourist routes and trips to participate in races in other cities.

• Major marathons remain aspirational goals and a form of sports tourism.
• Shorter races and trail runs are popular among those looking for accessible challenges and different landscapes.
• Sports leisure is becoming a way to travel and discover other cultures.

If you’re planning your 2026 season, check out our 2025‑2026 marathon calendar and trends to find races that match your goals. Taking part in events gives you a concrete target and lets you enjoy the running community.

How to use these trends in your training

• Join a club or create your own: share runs, take part in challenges and enjoy the social side of running.
• Plan rest and listen to your body: alternate hard sessions with easy runs and allow at least one day a week for active recovery.
• Include cross‑training: try yoga, cycling or strength work to improve your overall performance and reduce injuries.
• Use technology wisely: choose devices that provide relevant information and don’t get obsessed with every metric.
• Take inspiration from running fashion: choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident; your style is part of your identity as a runner.
• Set concrete goals: sign up for a race and prepare for it in advance; the motivation of a bib will help you stay consistent.

Integrate these trends with SnapRace

Besides looking at what millions of runners are doing, it’s essential to have tools that make it easy to track your progress. SnapRace is an app designed to turn every run into a competitive and motivating experience. With SnapRace you can:

• Join running communities, take part in challenges and compare your performance with friends and athletes around the world.
• Create bespoke routes, log your training and analyse metrics such as pace, distance and elevation.
• Receive notifications about local events and find training partners in your area.
• Sync your data with Strava and other platforms to get a complete view of your activity.

By incorporating SnapRace into your routine you can follow these trends closely, share your achievements with the community and stay motivated at every stage of your training. Try it and discover how it can help you reach your goals!

A connected, balanced and community‑driven 2026

Strava’s Year in Sport 2025 report shows that the future of running lies in community, balance and technology. Group runs, scheduled rest, cross‑training, new shoes and watches, sports fashion and the rise of Generation Z are transforming the way we run. Use these trends to enrich your experience, look after your body and enjoy every kilometre. And remember: with SnapRace you’ll find a community that shares your passion and the tools you need to keep evolving.

goals!

A connected, balanced and community‑driven 2026

Strava’s Year in Sport 2025 report shows that the future of running lies in community, balance and technology. Group runs, scheduled rest, cross‑training, new shoes and watches, sports fashion and the rise of Generation Z are transforming the way we run. Use these trends to enrich your experience, look after your body and enjoy every kilometre. And remember: with SnapRace you’ll find a community that shares your passion and the tools you need to keep evolving.