Age profiles of different forms of running

The average age of runners varies significantly between different forms of the sport, as I explore here.

But what about if we try to get behind these simple averages and look at variations in participation profiles by age?

The below chart draws on data from Sport England’s Active Lives Survey (data collected in 2023). It shows how the participation rates for different form of running vary with age. I’ve baselined the data on participation rates amongst teenagers, so you can see how the popularity of different forms changes through the age groups.

(Note: The data gets thin when there are very low numbers, so I have had to estimate some of the figures for the oldest age groups.)

As you can see, there are some really striking differences between the different forms of running. Some peak early, and see a gradual drop-off in popularity (particularly track athletics). Others are more of a slow burn. Triathlon and mountain (fell) running peak in their appeal among people well into middle-age.

Obstacle course racing shows its own unique profile. Participation levels remain fairly consistent until people reach about 50, then tumble to almost nothing.

As is so often the case, simple averages then, only tell part of the story.