Road running

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Road running in a U.S. Air Force marathon Marathon2.jpg
Road running in a U.S. Air Force marathon
People taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon Bristol Half Marathon.jpg
People taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon
Athletes at the start of a 10-mile race in Gloucestershire in England, UK in 1990. 1990 Synwell 10-01.jpg
Athletes at the start of a 10-mile race in Gloucestershire in England, UK in 1990.
The Dam tot Damloop is a road race from Amsterdam to Zaandam in the Netherlands Netherlands Amsterdam - Dam-tot-Damloop.jpg
The Dam tot Damloop is a road race from Amsterdam to Zaandam in the Netherlands

Road running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road. This differs from track and field on a regular track and cross country running over natural terrain.

Contents

These events are usually classified as long-distance according to athletics terminology, with races typically ranging from 5 kilometers to 42.2 kilometers in the marathon. They may involve large numbers of runners or wheelchair entrants. The four most common World Athletics recognized distances for road running events are 5K runs, 10K runs, half marathons and marathons.

Running on the road is an alternative surface to running on a trail, track, or treadmill. For many people looking to participate in running as an activity or sport, there are multiple opportunities that can be found on the road.

Road running is one of several forms of road racing, which also includes road bicycle racing and motor vehicle road racing.

Courses

Racecourses are usually held on the streets of major cities and towns but can be on any road. World Athletics recognizes eleven common distances for road races that are eligible to be counted for records if they meet the eligibility criteria: 1 mile (1,609.3 m), 5 kilometres (3.1 mi), 10 kilometres (6.2 mi), 15 kilometres (9.3 mi), 10 miles (16.1 km), 20 kilometres (12.4 mi), half marathon (21.098 km or 13.1 mi), 25 kilometres (15.5 mi), 30 kilometres (19 mi), marathon (42.195 km or 26.2 mi), 35 kilometres (21.7 mi), 50 kilometres (31.1 mi), and 100 kilometres (62.1 mi). The 24-hour run is also recognized. Of these, the 5K, 10K, 25K, 30K, half marathon, marathon, and 100K are distances that are recognized for world records. [1]

Some major events have unique distances. The Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City, United States is 1.0 mile (1.6 km); the "Round the Bays" run in Auckland, New Zealand is 8.4 kilometres (5.2 mi); the Falmouth Road Race in Falmouth, Massachusetts is 7.1 miles (11.4 km); the Manchester Road Race in Manchester, Connecticut is 4.75 miles (7.64 km); "City to Surf" in Sydney, Australia is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi); Honolulu's "Great Aloha Run" is 8.15 miles (13.12 km); the "King Island Imperial 20" [2] is 32 kilometres (20 mi) long; and the "Charleston Distance Run" in Charleston, West Virginia is 15 miles (24 km). [3]

Participation

Most road running events are open to the general public. Participants are of varying running ability. It is not unusual for large events to have thousands of participants. Men and women compete side by side, and professional runners run in the same events as the average runner. In more prestigious races this is less likely to happen as there will be separate heats for men and women and for professional and non-professional athletes. In certain athletic events, first time amateurs are welcome to participate in the same event as members of running clubs and even current world-class champions.

This wide availability makes road racing extremely popular, and millions of people worldwide run thousands of races each year. [4] In the U.S., 18.1 million people registered for recreational road races in 2018. [5] While world record-holders can maintain paces of 4–5 minutes per mile (2.5 – 3 minutes per km), non-professional runners average around 10 min/mile (6 min/km). The majority of registrants run for personal reasons such as achievement and fitness rather than to compete, and many race courses accommodate this by staying open long enough for participants to jog or walk the distance. [6] [7]

Timing

In order to record times for participants in road races, the race organiser typically pays a timing company to take times electronically, using a technology called radio-frequency identification (RFID). RFID technology is placed in either a disposable race bib, a shoe chip that is tied to shoelaces, or an ankle bracelet. RFID timing mats are then placed at the finish line of the race; when the runner crosses the line their time will be automatically recorded. This technology has developed over time to be the most efficient form of recording multiple athlete times. [8]

Benefits

Diversity

Road running is recognizable for its diverse features. Anyone is welcome to participate in road running whether it be for recreational activity or for the purpose of competition. Running is an activity that attracts people from all over the world and for any age. For example, many road racing events recognize finishers in an age group system which acts as a way to reward younger or older athletes who may not be able to compete with runners in a prime age.

Charity

Road races are often community-wide events that highlight or raise money for an issue or project. In the US, Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure is held nationwide to raise breast cancer awareness. This race is also run in Germany, Italy and Puerto Rico. Similarly, Race for Life holds races throughout the UK to raise money for Cancer Research UK. First person "race reports" frequently appear on the Dead Runners Society electronic mailing list. Dublin, Ireland's Women's Mini-Marathon is said to be the largest all-female event of its kind in the world. [9]

Motivation to be active

For many, competing in a local road race can be the motivation needed for individuals to pursue physical activity. In a study done by the bureau for labor statistics, road running ranked third in the most common form of sport and exercise activity for Americans. [10]

Physical benefit

Running on the roads has a different effect on the muscles in the human body opposed to running on the treadmill. Treadmills are made to assist running form due to the way the belt pushes your legs back enhancing movement. Running on the road through various conditions such as hills will do more to strengthen glutes, hamstrings, quads, and smaller muscles in the legs. [11] Additionally, running on the road can help improve bone density as your body breaks down from impact and then regenerates itself. [12]

Disadvantages

Impact

As with any type of running, there is a risk of natural wear and tear on the human body due to the different movements required to run. The difference with road running compared to other forms is that for long periods of time, a runner will continuously be landing on a harder surface, which can lead to various overuse injuries. In any given year, on average 65–80 percent of runners experience some type of injury. [13] In order to decrease the risk of becoming injured from impact on the road, runners can change their shoes every 300–400 miles (500–650 km). This is important because high mileage shoes have poor shock absorption, and worn down treads which can cause pain. [14]

Danger

One danger in road running, as opposed to running in any other location, is that vehicles drive by regularly at high speeds. In a study[ when? ] by the company Road ID, it was found that on average 122,000 runners are hit by vehicles and end up in hospital each year. This figure does not include runners who are hit but do not end up in hospital. [15] [ better source needed ] Runners can take precautions to decrease this risk, including: wearing reflective gear, wearing bright colors, running only during daylight, wearing a headlight, and running on the side of the road opposite traffic.[ clarification needed ][ facing oncoming traffic? ]

Costs

At first running can seem like a very cheap activity that anyone can partake in. But there are some expenses. For one, replacing running shoes every 400–500 miles (650–800 km). [14] [ It was 300 to 400 miles earlier in the article. ] Also, road race entry fees can be expensive because they have to cover the costs incurred by the race organizer. The entry fee for some big city marathons can be 150 to 300 dollars. [16]

Governing body and international organizations

The international governing body for road racing is World Athletics (formerly IAAF). World Athletics aims to set the standards for competitions by ensuring that all participants are drug-free and that all equipment used is legal. [17] World Athletics measures each race course to give it an World Athletics certification rating. Once a race course is certified, the course can be counted for different records or rankings. [18]

National governing bodies which are affiliated to World Athletics are responsible for road races held in their country. Of the thousands of road races held each year, 238 races, including some premier ones, are members of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Many race organizers (or the running clubs which conduct the races) are members of the Road Runners Club of America. In addition, the USA Track & Field plays a role in selecting representatives for certain international competitions under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.

Competitors from around the world participate in what are dubbed the "elite" races for cash prizes. Elite level road running series include the World Marathon Majors, the Great Run series, and IAAF Road Race Label Events.

Main competitions

Marathon and half marathon events
Race-walking events

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marathon</span> Long-distance running event of 42.195 kilometres

The marathon is a long-distance foot race with a distance of 42.195 km, usually run as a road race, but the distance can be covered on trail routes. The marathon can be completed by running or with a run/walk strategy. There are also wheelchair divisions. More than 800 marathons are held throughout the world each year, with the vast majority of competitors being recreational athletes, as larger marathons can have tens of thousands of participants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long-distance running</span> Athletics event

Long-distance running, or endurance running, is a form of continuous running over distances of at least 3 km (1.9 mi). Physiologically, it is largely aerobic in nature and requires stamina as well as mental strength.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Relay race</span> Team sport in athletics, swimming, etc

A relay race is a racing competition where members of a team take turns completing parts of racecourse or performing a certain action. Relay races take the form of professional races and amateur games. Relay races are common in running, orienteering, swimming, cross-country skiing, biathlon, or ice skating. In the Olympic Games, there are several types of relay races that are part of track and field. Relay race, also called Relay, is a track-and-field sport consisting of a set number of stages (legs), usually four, each leg run by different members of a team. The runner finishing one leg is usually required to pass the next runner a stick-like object known as a "baton" while both are running in a marked exchange zone. In most relays, team members cover equal distances: Olympic events for both men and women are the 400-metre and 1,600-metre relays. Some non-Olympic relays are held at distances of 800 m, 3,200 m, and 6,000 m. In the less frequently run medley relays, however, the athletes cover different distances in a prescribed order—as in a sprint medley of 200, 200, 400, 800 metres or a distance medley of 1,200, 400, 800, 1,600 metres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ultramarathon</span> Any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres

An ultramarathon, also called ultra distance or ultra running, is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres. Various distances, surfaces, and formats are raced competitively, from the shortest common ultramarathon of 31 miles (50 km) and up to 3100 miles. World Championships are held by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) for 50 km, 100 km, 24 hours, and ultra trail running. The Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners (GOMU) holds World Championships for 48 hours and 6 days. World Records are ratified and recognized by World Athletics, the IAU, and by GOMU.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trail running</span> Mountain sport

Trail running is a type of running that takes place on outdoor trails, often in mountainous terrain, and often includes significant ascents and descents. Trail running is overseen by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and includes longer races.

The Toronto Marathon, held annually on the first Sunday of May, is a race from Yonge and Sheppard, in the north end of Toronto, to Exhibition Place, via Humber Bay Park. The origins of the event trace back to 1977, and the race was initially called the Canadian International Marathon. In 2003, its name was changed to the Toronto Marathon. It was held previously on the third Sunday in October, the first Sunday after Canadian Thanksgiving, for 16 consecutive years. Because of concerns that another event was being held three weeks prior and led to too many road closures, as well as pressure from a major financial institution, the Toronto Marathon was moved to the first Sunday of May in 2012. The event was temporarily held mid-May in 2011, due to other events in the City of Toronto that year.

The Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Running Series is an annual half marathon foot-race run on the Las Vegas Strip and in parts of the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada. The former marathon distance race was one of the oldest marathons in the United States, having been held annually between 1967 - 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vancouver Sun Run</span> Annual 10-kilometre race in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The Vancouver Sun Run, owned by Run Vancouver Holdings ULC and sponsored by The Vancouver Sun newspaper, is a 10-kilometre road running event held in Vancouver every year on the third Sunday in April since 1985. It is one of the largest road races in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spira (footwear company)</span> American footwear manufacturer

Spira Footwear Inc., best known as simply Spira, is an American footwear manufacturer based in the El Paso, Texas, United States of America. It was founded in 2001 by Andy Krafsur and is best known for their running, walking, and casual shoes with springs embedded under the heel and toe cushion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ottawa Race Weekend</span> Weekend of road running events

The Ottawa Race Weekend is an annual weekend of road running events held the last weekend of May in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The two-day running event includes seven races, including the Ottawa Marathon, all of which start and end at Ottawa City Hall. The marathon was first held in 1975, and is categorized as a Elite Label Road Race by World Athletics. Over 40,000 participants take part in the races each year.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic is a road race which is held in late February or early March on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida. Over 30,000 competitors participate each year. It is named after the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which takes place on Tampa's Bayshore Boulevard a few weeks earlier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">10K run</span> Road running competition over a distance of ten kilometres

The 10K run is a long-distance road running competition over a distance of ten kilometres. Also referred to as the 10K road race, 10 km, or simply 10K, it is one of the most common types of road running event, alongside the shorter 5K and longer half marathon and marathon. It is usually distinguished from the 10,000 metres track running event by stating the distance in kilometres, rather than metres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Illinois Marathon</span> American for-profit athletics race

The Illinois Marathon is a for-profit marathon which was held for the first time on April 11, 2009 in Champaign, Illinois. This was to be the first marathon ever held in Champaign. The course is very flat and it was expected to produce fast times, with only 85 feet (26 m) of elevation change. Race weekends have been held annually on the fourth weekend in April since 2009, with the only cancellation to date being the 2020 Race Weekend as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The races offered are:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Utah Valley Marathon</span> Annual marathon foot-race in Northern Utah

The Utah Valley Marathon (UVM) is an annual marathon foot-race in Northern Utah held on the first Saturday of June. The marathon course is USA Track & Field (USATF) certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">5K run</span> Road running competition

The 5K run is a long-distance road running competition over a distance of five kilometres (3.107 mi). Also referred to as the 5K road race, 5 km, or simply 5K, it is the shortest of the most common road running distances. It is usually distinguished from the 5000 metres track running event by stating the distance in kilometres, rather than metres.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to running:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlsbad 5000</span>

The Carlsbad 5000 is an annual five kilometer road running event that takes place each spring in the city of Carlsbad, California along the north coast of San Diego County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">10-mile run</span> Distance running event

The 10-mile run is a long-distance running event over a distance of ten miles (16.1 kilometres). It can be held on a road course or on a running track. Also referred to as a 10-miler or 10 miles run, it is a relatively common distance in countries that use the mile as a unit of measure. Ten miles is roughly an intermediate distance between the 10K run and the half marathon (21.1 km). The level of endurance required to run the distance means it attracts more seasoned runners than shorter events and usually requires a period of preparation for first-time attempts.

The 25K run is a long distance running footrace that is between the distance of a half marathon and a marathon. It was formerly an official world record distance in road running by World Athletics, but has since been downgraded to world best status. Separately, the Association of Road Racing Statisticians retains world records in the 25K distance. The ARRS holds different standards for records than World Athletics, with exclusions for certain point-to-point races and mixed sex races. As a result its women's world record is 1:26:34 by Nancy Conz, set in 1982.

The 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships are scheduled to take place in Riga, Latvia, on 1 October 2023. As the inaugural World Athletics Road Running Championships, they will include the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships, which were last held in 2020. A flat, single-lap marathon course in the Baltics' largest city. All courses are traffic-free.

References

  1. ↑ "World Records". World Athletics. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  2. ↑ "King Island Imperial 20 - March 2008". Archived from the original on 18 July 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
  3. ↑ Schuckies, Erica (22 December 2016). "The Biggest Running Races in the U.S." ACTIVE. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  4. ↑ Andersen, Jens Jakob (3 November 2023). "The State of Running 2019". RunRepeat. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  5. ↑ "Running USA Releases 2019 U.S. Running Trends Report". Running USA. March 19, 2019. Archived from the original on Feb 26, 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  6. ↑ Hudson, Hailey (1 August 2019). "What's the Average Running Speed and How Can You Improve Yours?". Runner's World. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  7. ↑ Abbate, Emily (12 February 2020). "First Time Training for a Marathon? Brush Up on These Basics". Runner's World. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  8. ↑ "Chip Timing vs Clock Gun Time: What's the difference?". RFID Insider. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  9. ↑ "About The Women's Mini Marathon". Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 22 February 2008.
  10. ↑ "Sports and exercise among Americans : The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  11. ↑ Mateo, Ashley (13 September 2019). "How Does Running on a Treadmill Compare to Running Outside?". Runner's World. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  12. ↑ "Why Trail Running is the Best Exercise for Your Health". Core Running. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  13. ↑ Lobby, Mackenzie (18 March 2013). "Avoid a Running Injury With the 10 Percent Rule". ACTIVE. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  14. 1 2 "5 Signs You Need New Running Shoes". Verywell Fit. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  15. ↑ "122,000 runners get hit by cars annually". Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  16. ↑ Luff, Christine. "Total Costs of Signing Up for a Running Race". Verywell Fit. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  17. ↑ "Track and Field: International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)". www.ducksters.com. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  18. ↑ "Certified road events". World Athletics. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
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