If you’ve scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed an alarming number of finisher medals, sweaty post-race selfies, and GPS screenshots flooding your feed. Suddenly, everyone from your college roommate to your coworker is training for a marathon—or at least talking about it. What’s behind this collective obsession with running 26.2 miles?
Spoiler: it’s not just about the cardio. Marathons have become the ultimate flex—a mix of personal achievement, social clout, and mental resilience. And with social media turning every finish line into a bragging right, it’s no wonder the streets are packed with amateur runners chasing glory (and maybe a decent brunch afterward).
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Why everyone is running a marathon this year
Let’s be real: no one wakes up one day and thinks, “I’d love to destroy my knees for fun”. Yet, here we are.
The marathon boom isn’t just about fitness, but a perfect storm of post-pandemic energy, mental health awareness, and good old-fashioned peer pressure.
Nach Angaben von Runner’s World, races worldwide are seeing record sign-ups, with first-timers making up a huge chunk. Part of it is the allure of a comeback story.
After years of lockdowns, people crave tangible goals—and what’s more tangible than crossing a finish line after months of training?
Plus, let’s not underestimate the power of FOMO. When your entire feed is flooded with Strava updates and race-day euphoria, it’s hard not to feel left out.
How running became a social and mental health trend
Running isn’t just exercise anymore; it’s therapy. The rise of mental health discourse has turned marathons into a way to combat anxiety, depression, and the general chaos of modern life.
Studies, like those highlighted by The World, show that endurance running releases endorphins that rival antidepressants—minus the prescription.
But let’s not ignore the social side. Running clubs are the new happy hours, and races have become inclusive, Instagrammable events.
Brands like Nike Run Club gamify training, while apps like Karte Mein Lauf turn solo jogs into shareable achievements. It’s fitness, but make it “aesthetic”.
Couch to 5K to marathon: how people level up
Gone are the days when running a marathon was reserved for elite athletes. Now, beginners start with a Couch to 5K program, catch the runner’s high, and suddenly find themselves signing up for a full marathon.
The progression is addictive. Each milestone fuels the next, and before you know it, you’re carb-loading like an Olympian.
Training plans have also become more accessible, thanks to apps that tailor workouts to your level. Whether you’re using Strava to track your pace or Nike Run Club for guided runs, the barrier to entry has never been lower.
The role of social media in popularizing races
Let’s face it: if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen? Social media has turned marathons into performative achievements, complete with hashtags, finisher photos, and humblebragging captions.
Platforms like TikTok glorify the struggle—think “Why I Cried at Mile 20” videos—making the pain seem glamorous.
Races themselves have leaned into this, offering photogenic backdrops, themed medals, and shareable moments.
The result? A feedback loop where posting about running inspires others to join in, creating a never-ending cycle of marathon mania.
Training apps and gear you’ll need to join in
Ready to jump on the bandwagon? Here’s what you’ll need:
- A solid training app: Strava for competition, Nike Run Club for guided runs, or Karte Mein Lauf for route tracking;
- The right shoes: because blisters are not a personality trait;
- A hydration plan: trust us, you’ll regret skipping this one;
- A race-day outfit: preferably something that looks good in photos.
Strava
Strava is the social network for athletes, turning every run or ride into a shareable achievement.
Available on Android, iOSund web, this app tracks your routes, analyzes performance, and lets you compete with friends (or strangers) on leaderboards.
You can be training for a marathon or just trying to beat your personal best, Strava’s GPS tracking and community challenges keep you motivated.
4.6/5
Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club is more than just a running app—it’s a personalized coach in your pocket. Available on Android und iOS, it offers guided runs, training plans, and audio motivation from Nike’s elite athletes.
The app syncs seamlessly with Apple Watch and other wearables, making it a favorite for runners who want structure without the rigidity of traditional training programs.
4.8/5
Map My Run by Under Armour
Map My Run by Under Armour is perfect for runners who love data. Available on Android, iOSund web, it tracks distance, pace, and calories burned while offering route suggestions based on your location.
The app integrates with fitness wearables and even provides nutrition tips, making it a solid all-in-one tool for marathon prep.
4.5/5
Final thoughts
The marathon trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. You may be in it for the mental clarity, the bragging rights, or just the free banana at the finish line.
One thing’s clear: running is no longer just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. And if you’re not careful, you might just catch the bug too.
For more on the benefits of running, check out Runner’s World.
