Running Experience Survey 2025
11: Attitudes and Intentions
This final section of the RXS report takes a look at runners’ plans for the next 12 months, as well as some of the factors that will help them make decisions about the kinds of running events they will take part in.
As shown, these factors vary significantly for different groups of people and for runners with different types of motivation.
We’ll also take a quick look at runner safety, and how seeking safe places to run is significantly more important for members of some groups than others, based on both gender and age.
11.1 Overall race participation attitudes
Plans for the next 12 months
This donut chart shows the percentage of respondents who plan to take part in more, fewer or about the same number of races over the next year than they did in the last.
The larger proportion of ‘more races’ compared to ‘fewer races’ suggests rising participation rates among existing runners, although, of course, enthusiastic intention doesn’t always translate into action.
Greener running events
We asked runners who participated in races whether they would be happy to pay more for events that were sustainably produced.
Around 22% said no. A smaller proportion responded that they would definitely be happy with a hike in fees to boost green credentials.
The majority though were lukewarm, stating they might be persuaded to pay a little more.
Green attitudes by motivational group
We can break the sustainability question down by motivational profile (see this page for detail of the four profiles).
The differences between motivational profiles are not large. Somewhat surprisingly, Experiential Runners scored lower in their support for sustainable events than other groups.
This is interesting because the same group scored highest on ethical eating and rates of vegetarianism, as outlined here.
Perhaps this can be explained by the fact that many Experiential Runners often take part in fell and trail races, which tend to be smaller, lower impact events anyway. Or is it simply an indicator of resistance to the idea of paying very much for running events, which can also be important to some fell running traditionalists?
11.2 What runners want
Race choice factors ranked
We all make decisions about which kinds of races we want to participate in for different reasons.
This chart shows how important each of eleven characteristics were on average across all of our survey respondents.
Scores were calculated by converting survey responses into percentages.
In general, it seems convenience, low expenses and a welcoming ethos are what are most likely to drive racing choices, rather than the scale and prestige of an event.
Gender and race choice factors
There are some differences in the race characteristics that appeal to runners depending on their gender.
Male runners are more likely to rate the level of challenge, PB potential and the prestige of a race as important factors than females.
Female runners place relatively more emphasis on inclusivity and practical factors.
Overall though, the differences are not large.
Race choice factors by age
A handful of race choice factors show statistically significant variation depending on runner age.
Most obviously, the visibility of age group results matters more to older runners.
Several other factors track down with age, from a peak in the 20s age group, including affordability, PB potential (fast course), big crowds and recommendations from others.
Most important choice factors by motivational profile
Different motivations and connected to different choices about the running events people participate in, as illustrated by the top three factors for each of the runner groups shown below. (Read more about the motivational clusters here.)
Competitive Achiever
- Welcoming, inclusive ethos
- Recognition of age category results
- Fast course
Pragmatic
Jogger
- Affordability of entry/travel
- Location convenience
- Welcoming, inclusive ethos
Community Enthusiast
- Welcoming, inclusive ethos
- Affordability of entry/travel
- Recommendations from other runners
Experiential Runner
- Welcoming, inclusive ethos
- Scenic course
- Affordability of entry/travel
Safety
One of the most striking findings from the RXS concerns the wide variation in the importance placed on safe running locations – especially by gender, and to a lesser extent, by age.
Female runners are significantly more likely to rate finding safe places to run as a very important factor in shaping their experience of running. This is particularly pronounced among younger women, who may be more frequently exposed to unwanted attention or feel more vulnerable to threats.
Notably, younger men – arguably the least vulnerable group – also express greater concern about safety than older male runners, suggesting that perceptions of risk extend beyond traditionally at-risk populations.
Running Experience Survey
© Neil Baxter 2025
Please always cite using: Baxter, N. (2025). Running Experience Survey. Running Studies. https://runningstudies.co.uk/running-experience-survey