WI often hear that running is the simplest form of exercise. All it takes is a pair of sneakers, and the will to put one foot in front of the other… right?
To go for a run, you have to lace up your shoes — but that means you have to be able to afford a pair of running shoes, which average around $100. You need to get out the door — but that means living in a safe, run-friendly neighborhood or having access to one.
If taking up running isn’t as easy as you’ve been led to believe, you’re not alone. There are many barriers to entry for people who, let’s face it, aren’t thin, fast, white, or male.
1. Lack of inclusion
If you have any form of social media, you’ve probably noticed the sudden explosion of running clubs. They’re not really new, but they’re having a “moment” as more people are interested in combining running with community.
Running clubs are a great way to meet new friends, share miles and get support in reaching your fitness goals. But not all clubs are run the same and a common problem is a lack of inclusion in terms of pace and athletic ability.
“Running clubs that say all paces are welcome, but leave you in the dust if you run above a 10-mile pace,” he says Rach Junard, a runner based in Oregon. “It’s important to be up front and recognize that not all rhythms welcome are the same as all rhythms supported.”
Julia Gaeta, a runner based in New York City shares similar experiences as she searches for groups to join.
“I’ve been running now for two and a half years and I still feel like I’m aware of my speed,” says Gaeta.
While training for the 2023 New York City Marathon, Gaeta attended a shakeout run in Central Park and ended up falling behind. She finished the run alone and feared for her safety in the dark.
“Since then, I’ve been extremely wary about joining any other team. But I know there are others like me out there who probably struggle with the same fears, so I don’t want to give up running clubs.”
Inclusion of all paces and people is essential to making running a more accepting sport. So run clubs like Slow AF Run Clubfounded by Martinus Evans, are necessary for the promotion of the sport. It’s about a judgment-free space that doesn’t focus on being fast, but instead embraces every step as a victory.
“Running clubs that say all paces are welcome but leave you in the dust if you run above a 10 mile pace. It’s important to be up front and recognize that all rhythms welcome are not the same as all rhythms supported.” —Rach Junard, a runner from Oregon
2. Security
An underrated level of privilege is being able to feel safe while running. Unfortunately, women are more likely to feel insecure when running than men — and there’s data to back it up.
In a 2017 survey conducted by The runner’s world, 43 percent of women reported being harassed while running compared to just 4 percent of men. In a joint 2021 survey conducted by The runner’s world and Women’s healthmore than 2,000 runners responded, and 60 percent of women reported being harassed while running, 25 percent reported experiencing unwanted sexual projections or sexist comments, and 6 percent reported feeling threatened to the point of fearing for their lives.
It’s a frustrating and sad reality that many runners need to keep in mind before heading out the door. This can affect the time of day you run, the location, and the gear you bring just to feel safe while exercising.
To help with this issue, some brands have created products that increase safety. Runners can discreetly arm themselves with pepper spray, personal alarms, running lights and open-ear headphones so they can be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Running safety issues are often gendered discussions, but it’s important to recognize that the responsibility to stay safe doesn’t lie solely with female runners. Everyone is required to prioritize and improve safety for runners.
However, safety issues aren’t all about gender—race can play a role in it, too. Correy Plunkett, an Atlanta-based runner, says he’s starting to question his running safety after 2020 shooting death of Ahmad Arbery—A black man was killed in Georgia while running.
“Before then, I would run wherever I was,” says Plunkett. “There are times now when I evaluate the place I’m in and think if it’s a predominantly white area, people are probably afraid of me running down the street.”
Because the killing of Ahmad Arbery and other atrocities by black men followed, Plunkett takes extra precaution when choosing where to run and what he looks like.
“I look over my shoulder a bit more, assessing other people walking down the street and assessing people who might be watching me – more so now because of the way people feel so comfortable taking lives. I’m really trying to look over my shoulder.”
3. Equipment cost
There’s no doubt that running comes at a cost. Even if it were true that “all you need are sneakers,” these shoes don’t come cheap. The average cost of comfortable running shoes is over $100. And after a few months of wear, you’ll probably need new ones (depending on how many miles you run). Not to mention other running gear like smartwatches, hydration belts, sunglasses and clothing.
“The more I explored my fitness, the more I saw the cost of improvement getting more and more expensive,” says Adrianna Vega, a runner from Orlando who is new to the sport. “I’m learning that some items are worth the cost. Now I’m just making sure I keep my eye out for good sales on the big tickets I want to add to my arsenal.”
Meghan Hill, a trail runner based in Colorado, can relate to the cost of the complex procedure.
“A challenge for me was buying expensive running shoes when I first started running,” she says. “I didn’t feel good enough as a runner to ‘justify’ such a price for shoes, but I also wanted to get the right gear.”
Splurging on running gear can really hurt your wallet, but you don’t I have to buy the expensive items to be considered a runner. Here’s what you I am doing need and how to reduce costs:
- Clothes: Check out thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, gifts from friends and clearance racks for cheaper clothes without sacrificing quality.
- Shoes: Consider buying an “older” model of sneakers that are on sale. Don’t be tempted (or peer pressured) to keep up with the latest and greatest shoe styles.
- Fitness Tracker: A fancy watch isn’t the only way to track your progress. Free fitness apps like Strava, Map My Run, and Nike Run Club can track your miles.
“There are times now when I evaluate the place I’m in and think if it’s a predominantly white area, people are probably afraid of me running down the street.” —Corey Plunkett
4. Accurate match registration
Running on the street is free, and hitting the treadmill at your local gym probably isn’t too expensive. But just ready to sign up for a race? Get ready for your cost run.
Expensive race registrations are a huge socioeconomic barrier to running. Even just a local 5K can cost more than $100, making it difficult for some runners to enter the competition. Not only is participating in events challenging, but it isolates some runners from another form of community. All this because of the rising cost of racing.
The good news is that there are many organizations working to reduce the burden and cost of racing. In some cases, if you belong to a club affiliated to a racing body such as New York Road Runners, there may be possible discounts for race registrations. There are also usually discounts if you choose to register early and take advantage of early bird deals. However, the pressure of paying for a sport that is supposed to be easily accessible can be onerous.
Conclusion
Barriers to entry for running can easily go unnoticed for someone who doesn’t have to deal with integration challenges, threats to their safety, financial hardship and other unseen struggles. That’s why highlighting these challenges and uplifting the community members who face them is vital to promoting the sport.
