Insight [Global Fashion Market Trend] The Global Running Trend: Expansion of Health and Community

20 Sep 2024
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In recent years, running has gone beyond a simple physical activity and established itself as a global trend. Not only professional runners but also influencers, millennials, Gen Z, their parents, grandparents, and even major brands have joined in. Running has now gained worldwide popularity, becoming a symbol of health, self-improvement, and community.

Due to the pandemic restricting indoor exercise, many people opted for running instead of going to the gym, leading to a surge in the use of running apps like Strava and Map My Run. The global running app market was valued at $562 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $2.12 billion by 2032. According to RunRepeat’s Fitness Trends report, a survey conducted after 2020 with 4,538 adults from 122 countries revealed that 59.1% said outdoor exercises like running are one of the best ways to stay healthy.

The popularity of running has gone beyond personal achievement and is now establishing itself as an opportunity to build a sense of community and explore other cultures. Marathon participation continues to rise globally, and marathons have become a new challenge to test one’s physical and mental limits.

1_The Role of Social Media: TikTok

TikTok is a powerful platform that promotes running as a daily activity. TikTok users share their running journeys, workouts, and tips through creative videos, motivating others to make running a part of their routine. The short-form content on social media is highly suited to showcasing running routines, quickly capturing the attention of diverse audiences with engaging and exciting content.

Jonny Davies gained widespread popularity with his "Running the Tube Line" series on TikTok. These TikTok videos inspired many to start running in their daily lives, presenting fitness activities in urban environments from a unique perspective and energizing the online running community.

2_The Social Value of Running: Running Communities and Running Apps

Running clubs have become powerful communities where runners of all levels share a common passion. These clubs go beyond simple group runs, forming a supportive network where friendships and encouragement thrive. Joining a running club offers an opportunity for runners to connect, share their successes and failures, and find motivation in a transformative experience.

Additionally, running apps with integrated social networking features, like Strava, have greatly contributed to the running boom. These apps allow runners to share their workout records and connect with other runners worldwide. Features such as route tracking, personal record-setting, and virtual challenges promote competition and camaraderie, making them an essential part of the running experience.

3_ Running and Fashion

The running boom has also significantly impacted the fashion industry. The combination of running and fashion is becoming more dynamic, focusing on technology and innovation. Brands like Nike, Hoka, and On apply cutting-edge technology to enhance runners’ performance, helping them achieve better records.

Many running apparel brands are positioning themselves by targeting specific niche markets. Bandit Running, inspired by the New York running community, and Tracksmith, a brand that celebrates amateur spirit by reflecting New England’s running culture, offer a unique experience by combining brand communities and fashion. Additionally, many brands emphasize sustainability, introducing products made from eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.

Tracksmith
Tracksmith, a running brand based in New England, primarily creates premium running apparel for amateur runners. Founded in 2014, the brand combines 1970s and 1980s styles with modern functionality, offering unique designs. Tracksmith emphasizes running culture and the traditions of the sport, aiming to support non-professional runners who compete in races.
Tracksmith not only sells products but also hosts various activities for the running community. 

Satisfy
Satisfy is a premium running brand based in Paris, offering a unique style that blends creativity and streetwear with running apparel. Founded in 2015 by Brice Partouche, the brand seeks a distinct aesthetic, differentiating itself from traditional fitness wear by combining high-performance running gear with elements of luxury fashion.
The brand’s philosophy is not solely focused on performance but also on expressing the emotion and creativity of running. It emphasizes the philosophy of combining running with meditation and nature, aiming to help runners experience greater mental and physical freedom through running. 

Bandit
Bandit is an independent running brand based in New York, offering stylish and functional apparel for runners. Founded in 2020, the brand draws inspiration from New York's underground running scene, presenting designs that combine minimalism with a rugged aesthetic. Bandit is closely connected with the local community, developing products that are tested and refined with feedback from real runners.
As a community-focused brand, Bandit goes beyond just selling products by hosting parties and organizing races for runners, as well as creating team uniforms for running clubs throughout New York. 

Running has become more than just exercise; it has evolved into a powerful tool that transforms people’s lives. The running trend, which combines technology, social media, and fashion, will continue to grow, connecting more people and encouraging them to pursue a healthy lifestyle through running. 



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