What Are People Running Away From?
Why Gen Zers Are Becoming the Marathon Generation
AUTHOR: Mary Tucker
Running has become more than just a physical exercise for many Gen Zers – it’s a way to socialize, destress, and find a sense of purpose. Whether training for a marathon, joining a local run club, or simply running for the mental clarity it brings, young people are discovering that putting their bodies in motion offers much more than just physical benefits.
But here’s the question I’ve been asking myself: What are we running from? Or maybe towards? Beyond the explosion of running content online, I’ve witnessed the growing popularity of marathon running in my own life. This year alone, I’ve seen so many friends and mutual connections take up running, and I’ve even participated in a few races myself.
For many, running has become a way to bring structure to their lives, find a healthy and affordable way to socialize, and set meaningful personal goals.
I Hate Running…
Image of me after I completed my first half marathon in September 2025.
For me, running became a tool for regaining control over my life after an illness left me feeling lost. I couldn’t control being sick, but the absence of structure in my life was taking a serious toll on my mental and physical well-being. I needed something to focus on. So, in a somewhat impulsive decision – especially for someone who always despised running – I set a goal to run a half-marathon. I achieved it, and ever since, I’ve found myself constantly setting new running goals.
Now, whenever I have a bad day or feel stressed, I’ve noticed that running offers an escape. There’s science behind that too. Studies show that exercise, particularly running, helps reduce stress and anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like running, can significantly reduce anxiety. (ADAA)
The Social Side of Running
But for many others, running is not just about the physical or mental benefits – it’s also a way to connect with others. In today’s digital age, isolation and loneliness are at an all-time high. Many Gen Zers are turning to communal exercise as a way to break free from the digital silos of their everyday lives. The popularity of pilates, F45 training, and local run clubs has surged, and it's incredible to witness the growing sense of community that forms around these activities. Feeling like you are part of something bigger than yourself – a team – can help combat loneliness and foster real connections.
This shift toward marathon running is part of a global trend that’s been building over the last few decades. The rise in marathon participation was further accelerated by the pandemic, which saw many people turning to running as a form of both physical activity and a mental health escape. This trend even prompted The Atlantic to label running as “the new quarter-life crisis.” Crisis usually has a negative connotation, but I’d argue this is a positive kind of crisis – not about spiraling, but about regaining control and achieving something tangible.
A “Box-Checking” Generation
Our generation, the Gen Zers, I like to say, is part of the “box-checking” culture. We’ve grown up with a set path to follow:
Graduate high school
Get into a good college
Graduate college
These milestones are built into the framework of our lives. But once we hit the finish line of college, what’s next? What do we have to achieve after we’ve checked all the “big boxes”? This question has likely contributed to the surge in running and other personal goal-oriented activities. Running offers a new challenge – one that doesn’t require institutional validation and can be achieved on our own terms.
The rise in marathon participation is more than just a new fad – it’s a reflection of deeper cultural shifts and needs. Whether it's for mental clarity, social connections, or the sense of achievement, running has become a way for Gen Z to regain control in a very chaotic world.
References
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Exercise, stress, and anxiety. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety
Fadel, L. (2025, February 3). The marathon boom: Why running is more popular than ever. The
Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/fitness/marathon-increasing-popularity-2025-caac1bb6
Stoeffler, M. (2024, April 4). Running: The new quarter-life crisis. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/04/running-marathon-quarter-life-crisis/678156/
