Running habits in Denmark in 2015. What do we do when we go for a run, what prerequisites do we have, and can we figure out how to be part of the community.
The first part of the big test about running habits 2015 is based on the runner, and his or her prerequisite for a good run, seen from a social perspective. How good are we really at running together? Is there a basis for running clubs to gather people for the run? Well, in short, we try to focus on a lot of different running aspects among Danish runners.
Basis for this great running test
This entire running test among the runners has been done on a voluntary basis. 15 quick questions for each of them. An estimated completion time of about 2 minutes, then this questionnaire should be completed.
The questionnaire that formed the basis for this study was in most cases a multiple choice form, where the individual runner had to decide on different answer options and only choose one of them. The questions and answer options were designed by a volunteer who runs a lot in his spare time. This was done to make the study as realistic as possible. To take a person who is in the environment himself, and thereby knows something about the different issues involved in running.
The users or runners have voluntarily filled out the form on their own PC/Mobile or Ipad. The survey has only been launched via the Facebook page. Iloebesko.dk
The idea behind this running test was to focus on how much the runners are good at their sport.
Questions for the running survey:
The questions below are listed in random order.
Generally
- Gender of the runner?
- Age range of the runner?
- I run because?
- Number of hours per week running?
- Best running shoe brand?
Social insights into running
- Medlem af løbeklub?
- Alone or not alone on the run?
- Entertainment on the run?
- Are you tracking your run?
- Do you share results on social media?
Running as a sport
- Where are you running to?
- Do you only like running?
- Best running result?
- Cost of running?
- How do I look?
Running in Denmark – Short facts / Did you know?
Below you will find a few cool facts about running habits and running trends in Denmark. Running and exercise are a group that has exploded in Denmark over the last 10 years. There are more and more runners, and we at Iloebesko.dk don’t think it’s stopping yet. Running is a very versatile sport that has so many advantages. But you can read more about them in the article.
Did you know that: There are around 1100 exercise runs in Denmark alone?
Did you know that: Approximately 25% of the Danish population runs. And up to 1/3 say they run regularly.
Did you know: It is believed that somewhere between 600-700,000 Danes participate in exercise runs per year.
Did you know that: The distribution between men and women who run is 55% (men) 45% (women)
Did you know that: The age group called 26-55 years old is the one that runs most frequently.
Vidste du at: Ca. 80% ønsker at løbe alene.
Did you know: About 6 out of 10 runners (60%) spend somewhere between 1-4 hours running in a week.
Did you know that: in 2015, more than 450 half marathons were registered. That's more than 1 per day.
Opinion from 2 runners about running habits
Allan Frederiksen, skilled runner who does it because:
Gitte Hansen loves short, fast trips, but:
Heard among runners (advantages and disadvantages):
There is no doubt that running has become a popular sport in Denmark. But is everything about running good? Below we have listed some advantages and disadvantages that we regularly hear from runners.
Benefits
Freedom all year round
I run because it gives me freedom, I run because it fits in with the rest of my family life. I run because it's easy and convenient, I can take my running shoes with me everywhere.
Good exercise
Running is a really good exercise. I run because I get a workout for many muscle groups, and my calorie burn is relatively high over relatively short distances. Running is a really good exercise. I run because I get a workout for many muscle groups, and my calorie burn is relatively high over relatively short distances.
Experiences
I can combine running with getting out and having some experiences. It's both for exercise, but also because I can combine my run with great nature experiences.
Disadvantages
No strength, only endurance
I don't run because it doesn't give me any strength. When I run, I don't build muscle, I only train my fitness.
Hard on the body to run
When I run, it's easy to overload the bud. When I run, I can feel that I'm especially putting strain on my knees, my back, and my neck.
It’s boring to run.
I don't run because it's boring. I really want to exercise, but running is too boring, nothing really happens, and there's no challenge in it.
I don’t run in a club….
The number of runners is increasing and increasing in Denmark. That has been the message for the last many years. But there is still a lot of work to be done for all the local running clubs around Denmark. Because as more runners come, the number of members in the Danish running clubs is not increasing. There may be several reasons for this.
The most obvious reason is that many people choose the sport of running because it is versatile and flexible. We believe that the fact that you don’t have to show up at a club to practice your sport is the primary reason. It simply gives a freedom that many people like.
The survey shows that only 35% of those surveyed are members of a running club. So our assessment is that there is clearly potential for the many running clubs in Denmark. There must be a lot of runners out there who could be enticed to run with the clubs.
I do NOT run in a club because I want to maintain my freedom. I want my running training to be when I have time, and not when my schedule tells me to run now.
Marathon has become for everyone
The study shows a clear trend that fitness runs are not just fitness runs anymore. The results clearly show that marathons and half marathons together account for almost 79% of the runners surveyed when asked about the best completed distance. And in fact, it is the full distance of just over 42 kilometers that clearly wins if you look at the half and full distances soberly.
So where in the past you had to fight your way up to 10 kilometers, running today has become a bit harder. Running is becoming more and more extreme.
Social for exercise, not for training
We love visiting the many fitness races in Denmark. We like getting out and mingling with other runners for races. But that’s where the social aspect ends. Because while we as runners like to participate in the many fitness races, the numbers clearly show that when we have to run between them and train for them, we do it alone. And according to what was previously described in the study where we shed light on running clubs and the missing members, there is a funny little observation that almost 80% of runners say they run alone, while only 63% have said that they do not run in a club.
So it can be concluded that there are runners who are part of a running club but still prefer to run alone. Of course, there can be many different reasons for this, we just think it’s a funny observation.
It should also be mentioned that there is a completely different aspect that plays a significant role when we talk about being social on the run. A lot of runners use and enjoy music on the run. Almost 65% use entertainment on the run, such as music, audiobooks, podcasts or radio. A lot of people use music to keep up the pace and provide motivation, and seen from that perspective, it can be really difficult to be social on the run, and then there is no point in running together. If you still close yourself off in the world of music.
Running gives freedom, or does it?
Many people associate going for a run with freedom. And that is largely correct. But when you look at the study, it shows clear trends that we are still not completely free when we run..
Running away without a sense of time and place – As runners, we are not good at that.
Over 90% of the runners surveyed in this test say that they track their runs in some way. This can be with their heart rate monitor, or via Endomondo. So you can discuss whether it is freedom to go for a run. If you measure it by getting out there, then it is clearly freedom to run.
But if you measure it by freeing yourself from everyday thoughts and getting out and clearing your brain, then no. If you are constantly hung up on a watch, or even worse the risk that you will be disturbed by calls, text messages or the like. Then there is not much freedom in the run.
Running is a combination sport
Running clearly doesn’t stand alone. When we ask whether runners do other sports besides running, very close to 61% say they do running along with another sport.
The study shows that 50% of runners use running to stay in good shape.
Running is easy and cheap
Running is super easy – not in the physical sense, because it can be a jungle to figure out what’s right and wrong. But based on our research, there’s clear evidence that it’s because running is easy and cheap.
We generally don’t think we should make a big deal out of ourselves when we run. 64% answer that they don’t care at all about how they look when they run in the city or in the forest. So the large expenses for clothes and beauty can be saved. If you are one of the 63% who is not a member of a running club, you will also save on the club’s membership fee. Below you will find some different drafts of what you should expect to spend if you are going to run. All figures are “fictitious” and are calculated based on “best practice”. And by that we mean our experience over many years in the running industry.
Running expenses:
Ordinary runner:
- Shoe cost = 1100,-
- Clothing = 500,- (Shorts + T-shirt)
- Tracking = Free (Endomondo)
- Exercise run = 1200,- (3 pcs.)
- Total = 2800,- per year
- Total per week = 53.8,-
- Total per day = 7.5,-
Luxury runner
- Shoe cost = 1100,-
- Clothing = 900,- (Latest running set)
- Tracking = 1000,- (Average price heart rate monitor)
- Membership = 250,-
- Exercise run = 2000,- (5 pcs.)
- I alt = 5250,-
- Total per week = 101,-
- Total per day = 14.3,-
Opposite = The football player
- Shoe cost = 1100,-
- Clothing = 800,- (Clothing + required equipment)
- Membership = 2000,-
- Miscellaneous = 500,- (Fine box, driving, etc.)
- I alt = 4400,-
- Total per week = 84.6,-
- Total per day = 12,-
Data for the calculation:
- Time horizon = 1 year (52 weeks) (365 days)
- Running shoes for 900 kilometers / 17 km per week
- Everyone has a smartphone with Endomondo
- You want to participate in exercise races
The calculation can of course swing in many different directions. If you run more than 17 kilometers in a week, it will of course be a little more expensive, whereas if you stay under or less than 17 kilometers, it will be cheaper.
Summary of the survey
The study shows some very clear trends among runners. So the conclusion must be that running as a sport in Denmark will continue to grow for the next many years. But it will probably remain a sport that is still very asocial. We prefer to run alone, and we are not members of a club. We love to close ourselves off in our own little running world, and then set off on the Danish roads.
Running is here to stay, and you can understand that quite well when you look at the many advantages. Freedom, ease and it’s cheap.
Running is a popular sport
If you have any good, bad, strange running habits or experiences you would like to share with us, please feel free to leave a comment below.
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En passioneret løber der elsker at nørde med både løbesko, og selvfølgelig også alt det fysiologiske omkring det at løbe. Ja, jeg har rigeligt med løbesko, det siger min kone i hvert fald. Men jeg kan altså ikke lade være.....