Hi Ed, another engaging and thought-provoking article.
I would love to hear your thoughts, ideally supported with some evidence as reference points (for my own campaigns, too!), on the reasons why running is on the decline.
I would assume the major barrier and disincentive has been financial, particularly with the exponential rise in the costs of races, kit, nutrition and the like.
Hi Ellie! Good to hear your thoughts. Running has traditionally been one of the cheapest sports and can still be if you want it to be - ParkRun free rather than paying for race entries; last year’s shoe models bought online got a fraction of this year’s £; orange squash rather than fancy sports drinks. So I’m not sure money is the core reason. I’ll give it some thought and return to the question in a future Sport inc.
So true Ed, great article and Ellie great comment but at which level do you refer? I assume elite? … I agree money is not main protagonist at non elite level - actually was the most accessible and sustainable option for many coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds! However when you crossover into ‘elite’ territory it starts to play it’s part! I’m wondering if decline is maybe more to do with injury/health related? I’m keen to learn more too Great topic of discussion Thank you!
Enjoyed this and your other articles Ed. What you point to is the decline of traditional sporting structures. Covid was a tipping point for the sector but I am not sure it knows it! The decline has been there for a while but heads have been buried in the sand. There is huge opportunity for those that can offer great experiences of sport. Have a read it my latest articles on Women Sport Disrupt on Substack. I also hosted a panel on how the system is failing women.
Hi Holly! Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated. I agree that traditional governing bodies need to morph - and quickly - to meet the challenge of new methods of 'consuming' sport. I'll definitely take a look at your substack articles!
Hi Ed, another engaging and thought-provoking article.
I would love to hear your thoughts, ideally supported with some evidence as reference points (for my own campaigns, too!), on the reasons why running is on the decline.
I would assume the major barrier and disincentive has been financial, particularly with the exponential rise in the costs of races, kit, nutrition and the like.
Keen to hear your thoughts!
Hi Ellie! Good to hear your thoughts. Running has traditionally been one of the cheapest sports and can still be if you want it to be - ParkRun free rather than paying for race entries; last year’s shoe models bought online got a fraction of this year’s £; orange squash rather than fancy sports drinks. So I’m not sure money is the core reason. I’ll give it some thought and return to the question in a future Sport inc.
So true Ed, great article and Ellie great comment but at which level do you refer? I assume elite? … I agree money is not main protagonist at non elite level - actually was the most accessible and sustainable option for many coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds! However when you crossover into ‘elite’ territory it starts to play it’s part! I’m wondering if decline is maybe more to do with injury/health related? I’m keen to learn more too Great topic of discussion Thank you!
Hi Marilyn- great to hear from you! Thanks for your thoughts
Enjoyed this and your other articles Ed. What you point to is the decline of traditional sporting structures. Covid was a tipping point for the sector but I am not sure it knows it! The decline has been there for a while but heads have been buried in the sand. There is huge opportunity for those that can offer great experiences of sport. Have a read it my latest articles on Women Sport Disrupt on Substack. I also hosted a panel on how the system is failing women.
Hi Holly! Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated. I agree that traditional governing bodies need to morph - and quickly - to meet the challenge of new methods of 'consuming' sport. I'll definitely take a look at your substack articles!