Whether you’re a veteran of the 42.4K distance or prefer to stick to shorter races, you probably know what a unique and multi-faceted adventure our sport can be. We’re here to keep you enthused with some fun facts about marathons, and running in general, that you had no idea you needed to know. Pull one of these out next time you’re at a party and want to (not so) subtly steer the convo back to something that you’re actually interested in—running.
Colorado-based running coach and author Amanda Brooks is the creator of the website Run To The Finish where she shares neat facts, tips and gear reviews for runners of all abilities.
“When it comes to distance running, I am fascinated by everything. I read every new book that comes out and tend to find myself down rabbit holes of research for articles, my book or the podcast,” she explains. “All of that has led to some really interesting information over the years and it’s always fun to see which things make people go “no way!” I think for me, it’s always a reminder that running is interesting and ever-changing.” Here are a few of Brooks’s favourite facts:
The shrinking runner phenomenon
Did you know that running a marathon can temporarily shrink you by up to half an inch? It’s true! The compression on your spinal discs during the race causes this slight height loss, but don’t worry—it’s all reversed within 24 hours with proper hydration.
Step by step to the finish line
Finishing a marathon is no small feat—it typically takes about 50,000 steps to cross that finish line. That’s a lot of ground covered in pursuit of that marathon medal!
The birth of the NYC Marathon
Back in 1970, the first-ever New York City Marathon took place with a humble entry fee of just $1. Only 127 brave souls participated in what would become one of the world’s most iconic races, with 55 of them finishing the race.
The evolution of support
Believe it or not, the first sports bra wasn’t invented until 1977. It took the creative minds of two women, who repurposed jockstraps into the supportive garment we now take for granted in the world of sports.
The bounce factor
According to research from the University of Portsmouth, England, breasts don’t just move up and down while running—they move in a complex figure-8 pattern. Understanding this motion has led to innovations in sports bra design that better support athletes.
Global running shoe craze
In 2022, a staggering $15 billion was spent on running shoes worldwide. That’s enough footwear to outfit entire cities in pursuit of their running goals!
Sweatin’ it out
Running is a sweat-inducing sport—your body can produce up to 2.5 litres of sweat during a long run. And if that’s not enough, your feet alone can sweat out a pint each day, keeping you cool and hydrated on the go.
Heart-pumping facts
Here’s a mind-blowing fact: when you run, your heart generates enough pressure to squirt blood up to 30 feet. That’s the power of cardiovascular fitness in action.
Muscle power
Taking a step while running isn’t just a simple action—it engages a whopping 200 muscles in your body. Talk about a full-body workout with every stride.
