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Why running is important

Why running is important

Ian Campbell
November 21, 2024

Why running is important

I spent the last 2 days in Austin, Texas at The Running Event. It was the conference’s largest show to date - a reflection of running’s growing popularity. The event was full of forward-looking brands and passionate people. I was fortunate to speak with many of them.

While reflecting on running’s growing popularity during my flight home, I figured this week’s newsletter would be a good time to highlight several reasons why I believe that running is more important than many people think.

Why running is important:

Running gets people active at a time when humans don’t need to move to survive. It is difficult to overstate the long-term health benefits we get by moving our bodies, so if we are not being chased by wild animals, having another reason to be active is a good thing.
Despite being an individual sport, running brings people together at a time when our country and the world would benefit from more unity.
Running is accessible. While many choose to spend money getting run apparel, buying shoes and traveling to races - none of that is necessary to run. Running provides a way to exercise for anyone in the world who can move without requiring equipment, a gym membership or monthly subscription.
As more work becomes automated, humans will increasingly search for ways outside of their day job to find meaning. Running offers meaning by providing a way to push ourselves, compete with others and test our limits.

While running is important now, I believe its importance (and popularity) will only increase during the coming decades.

— Ian