Strava’s Running Stats For 2017
As we near the end of 2017, Strava shares its running statistics for the year, gathered from user data logged around the world.
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Strava, the social network for athletes, released today its annual report regarding running statistics for 2017, based on data it gathered from millions of Strava users running in 195 countries around the world. Below, we highlight some of the most impressive takeaways from the report.
Big Numbers
- Users logged approximately 699 million miles worldwide over the course of 136 million logged runs, with 30 million of those runs (and 151 million miles) recorded in the United States alone.
- Strava users documented 627,239 marathon finishes throughout the world (with 134,966 of those taking place in the U.S.).
Female Runner Stats
Women were on fire in 2017! The average female runner ran 4.7 miles per run at a pace of 9:29 minutes per mile and logged a total of 122 miles throughout the year.
- The top 10 U.S. cities with the most female runners in 2017 were (in order of popularity): New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Denver, Houston, Portland, Washington, D.C. and Austin.
- The top 10 cities with the fastest female Strava users were (in order): Boston, New York City, Madison, Portland (Maine), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis.
Male Runner Stats
Men did well in 2017, too! The average male runner ran 5.2 miles per run at a pace of 8:12 minutes per mile and logged a total of 135 miles throughout the year.
Make A Plan
- Runners who trained with others saw a 37 percent average increase in workout-related activities.
- Those that joined a running club saw a 46 percent average increase in workout-related activities.
- Goal-setting was a strong motivator for athletes, with 92 percent of athletes remaining active 10 months after setting an initial exercise-related goal.
- Morning rules among runners, with 43 percent of athletes preferring it to other times of day for exercise.
- Those who commuted to get their training in saw a 43 percent increase in weekend workout-related activities.
That Special Time Of Day
The most popular times of day for exercise differed depending on where runners were located, and whether the workout was a solo or group activity.
Solo Workouts:
- U.S.: 8 a.m.
- United Kingdom: 9 a.m.
- France: 9 a.m.
- Spain: 9 a.m.
- Germany: 5 p.m.
- Brazil: 6 p.m.
Group Workouts:
- U.S.: 8 a.m.
- U.K.: 9 a.m.
- France: 8 a.m.
- Spain: 8 a.m.
- Germany: 10 a.m.
- Brazil: 7 a.m.
Post-Run Munchies
The top three most popular fueling foods and beverages mentioned by Strava users were beer, coffee and pizza, with beer coming in as the most popular by far. Strava also recorded a 39.28 percent increase in athletes that tried a Beer Mile this year.
Running To Work
Strava recorded a 43 percent increase in run commuters this year. The top 10 most popular cities for commuting by running in 2017 were (in order): London, Amsterdam, Paris, New York City, Sydney, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Barcelona and Melbourne.
Best U.S. Running Routes
The top three most popular running routes in the U.S. for 2017 were:
- Reservoir Mile in New York City’s Central Park
- Rocket Mile along the San Francisco Bay
- The 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 Mile Marker beside Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas
Most Active And Fastest States In The U.S.
California, Texas and New York are the most active states in the country, according to Strava user logs. However, the three fastest states were different: the average mile paces in South Dakota, Louisiana and North Carolina are 7:36, 7:42 and 8 minutes per mile, respectively.
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