Running has long been considered one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise. But in recent years, it has evolved into something far more complicated: a social performance, a tech-driven obsession, and an increasingly expensive lifestyle.
With Strava tracking every mile, influencers setting the pace on social media, and brands pushing high-performance gear at premium prices, running is no longer just about lacing up and heading out the door. Instead, many runners (students in particular) find themselves caught between the pressure to perform, the cost of keeping up, and the growing commercialisation of the sport.
For many runners, if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen.
The fitness tracking app has over 120 million users worldwide and has changed how people run. What was once a solitary, personal activity has become a public performance, where distances, times, and personal bests are scrutinised, compared, and ranked. This gamification of running can be hugely motivating but also introduces new pressures. Features like leaderboards, segment rankings, and kudos (akin to a like on other social platforms) encourage competition, often shifting the focus from enjoyment to performance. Some runners now feel pressure to run longer, faster, and more frequently, not necessarily for themselves but for their followers.
Running has traditionally been considered a low-cost sport. You only need a decent pair of runners and a safe route. But today’s influencer-driven, gear-obsessed running culture tells a different story. The costs add up quickly between high-performance shoes, GPS watches, and premium workout gear. A 2023 Running Shoes Guru survey found that the average runner spends between €950 and €1,100 per year on running-related expenses.
Not long ago, you could buy an essential pair of runners for €50 and get by just fine. Now, brands market carbon-plated “super shoes” like the Nike Vaporfly (€260) and Adidas Adios Pro (€250) as essential for improving race times. Even for casual runners, most modern running shoes now cost at least €130–€150—and since they should generally be replaced every 500–800km, many runners buy a new pair at least once a year.
In the age of data-driven fitness, a GPS watch or fitness tracker is increasingly seen as a must-have. Garmin, Apple, and Coros all market their devices as essential training tools, with entry-level models starting at €150 and premium versions (like the Garmin Fenix 7) exceeding €600. While these gadgets can be helpful, they have shifted running from feeling to data, leading many to obsess over pace, heart rate zones, and VO2 max scores—metrics that most runners don’t actually need to track.
On the surface, apps like Strava and running ‘influencers’ on TikTok encourage more people to engage with the sport. But behind the engagement, there are concerns that this new “always-on” running culture is leading to:
- Comparison Culture – Runners feeling discouraged if they’re not hitting PBs or matching their peers.
- Overtraining – A rise in injuries and burnout from constantly chasing faster times.
- Financial Pressure – Feeling the need to spend big on shoes, gear, and race entries to be taken seriously.
A 2023 Strava survey found that while Gen Z and young millennials (ages 18–29) are the most likely to set running goals, older generations (40+) are the most successful in achieving them. Perhaps this is because they run for personal enjoyment and are free from the world of running for social validation.
For students and casual runners, the key to avoiding the Strava trap is remembering that:
- You don’t need a €300 pair of shoes to enjoy a run.
- Race fees aren’t essential—there are free alternatives like Parkrun.
- Not every run needs to be uploaded, tracked, or compared.
While Strava and social media can be great motivators, they shouldn’t dictate how or why you run. At its core, running is meant to be simple—all you need is a pair of trainers, a quiet stretch of road, and the motivation to get moving.
Jack Donlon – Co-Editor
