At Runner’s World, we’ll be the first to tell you that running gives you the world. Offering opportunities for exploration and connection, as well as personal growth and alone time, running helps you to see more of the world – and to escape into your own world. But as an individual runner, how do you compare with the rest of the world?
Recent statistics pulled by Garmin can help to answer this query. The brand behind some of the most popular running wearables, including the all-new Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570, Garmin knows a thing or two about our running habits. With that in mind, it analysed the data of runners from across the world to discover which nations top the charts when it comes to running distance, pace and weekly mileage – and how UK runners fare among the pack. For this purpose, Garmin has defined a ‘runner’ as a Garmin user who has completed two or more runs per week for 75% – or 39 weeks – of the year.
Even if you don’t consider yourself the competitive type, you’re bound to be at least a little bit curious...
What everyone's reading
Which nation runs the furthest?
The birthplace of the almighty ekiden, the century-old long-distance relay, understandably wins this category. Yes, Japan takes the top spot here, with Japanese runners clocking a tidy 25.8 miles (41.5km) per week, on average – the most of all nations.
But despair not, UK runners – you still put in a laudable effort, logging an average of 19.3 miles (31.1km) per week. The length of an average run for UK runners is also a decent 5.3 miles (8.5km).
Even those classified as non-running Garmin users still tally up some miles, with non-runners in the UK completing an average of 4.5 miles (7.2km) per week.
Which nation completes the longest runs?
Boasting an average distance of 26.4 miles (42.5km) for their longest runs, South African runners win the gold medal here. That’s a marathon-and-a-bit in the bag.
Although they don’t quite hit these heights, UK runners still go the distance, with the average longest run per user sitting at an impressive 19.1 miles (30.7km). Even non-runners in the UK who track activities with Garmin post an average distance of 9.5 miles (15.3km) for their longest runs.
Which nation runs the fastest?
The UK places 11th worldwide when it comes to running speed, with the average pace among UK runners being 8:58 min/mile (5:50 min/km). Although it falls out of the top 10, this still betters the global average running pace of 9:06 min/mile (5:39 min/km).
Denmark, Japan and Spain are among the 10 nations that are quicker than the UK, but none are as quick as Ireland. In fact, the good training (rather than the luck) of the Irish has enabled them to achieve an average running pace of 8:41 min/mile (5:24 min/km).
Another high for runners
Runners are often interested in their distance and pace – but what about their overall health and wellbeing? According to Garmin’s data, runners are doing themselves a favour on that front and attaining better sleep scores than non-running Garmin users, helping them to recover more effectively from their workouts. Plus, compared with their non-running counterparts, runners are also experiencing higher body battery readings – which is Garmin’s way of monitoring your personal energy resources – and less body battery drain each day.
Do you need another reason to lace up?
