30/12/2025
“Running is bad for your knees.” Yeah righto.
Lace up, get out, get gone 👣
2025: The Year 391,000 People Ran Parkrun on a Single Day—And Other Wild Running Moments
This year broke records and hearts across the running world. On April 19, parkrun set a global attendance record with 391,000 participants worldwide (218,000 in the UK alone). London Marathon became the world's largest with 56,640 finishers—until NYC reclaimed the crown with 59,226 finishers in November.
Harry Styles ran two World Marathon Majors, finishing Berlin in 2:16. Former video game champion Sam King—once overweight and depressed—ran 80 ultramarathons in 80 consecutive days. Sara Cox raised £11 million for Children in Need by running 135 miles in five days despite not owning running shoes before training started. And the Barkley Marathons? Zero finishers, as usual.
Faith Kipyegon nearly broke 4 minutes for the mile (ran 4:06.91—fastest women's mile in history). Alex Yee—a triathlete—ran 2:06:38 at the Valencia Marathon in only his second marathon attempt. Sarah Perry crushed the women's Big's Backyard Ultra record with 395.8 miles over four days.
For recreational runners: the numbers prove running's inclusive power. Whether you're chasing world records or just showing up at parkrun, you're part of something extraordinary. Start where you are—Sara Cox didn't own running shoes before her challenge. Consistency matters more than speed.