Running Toward Better Physical, Mental Health

Running is gaining popularity worldwide for its numerous benefits for physical and mental health, significantly contributing to overall well-being. Despite being an accessible activity, some barriers prevent more people from embracing this sport, such as insecurity.

Running provides a range of advantages for physical health. Running, even for short periods, can improve cardiovascular health, as reported by Asics. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals who ran just 50 minutes a week at a moderate pace were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease or any cause compared to those who did not run at all.

Moreover, running is an excellent exercise for calorie burning and reducing abdominal fat. It also helps strengthen bones and muscles, improves the maximum rate of oxygen utilization, and enhances lung capacity. Additionally, running has a positive impact on mental health, including reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing memory, and increasing focus and mental resilience, according to Abbott.

There is also a phenomenon known as "runner’s high," referring to a brief but intense euphoric state following vigorous exercise. This sensation is linked to endocannabinoids, biochemical substances similar to cannabis but naturally produced by the body, which increase during physical activity. These substances encourage immediate psychological effects like reduced anxiety and a sense of calm.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever before have taken up running, driven by the sport's accessibility and its benefits. For example, in the United States, about 15% of the population engages in some form of running or jogging. In Mexico, this activity is also gaining traction.

“In Mexico, an increasing number of people are taking up running, and this trend continues to grow, particularly following the pandemic. We are seeing more individuals run for a variety of reasons, whether for mental health benefits or a sense of balance, rather than solely for achieving faster performance,” JT Newcomb, Global Category Director - Running Footwear, Adidas, tells Publimetro.

However, some barriers hinder wider participation, such as busy schedules that limit time for exercise and safety concerns on the streets. 

According to a survey by INEGI on public safety perception, 31.9% of the Mexican population aged 18 and older reported avoiding walking outdoors due to fear of becoming a crime victim. In Mexico, two out of three women feel unsafe on the streets. This is significant considering that female participation in running has increased in recent years in Mexico, rising from 20% of race entries in 2014 to 60% in 2023.

These barriers are limiting the potential benefits of running, as one of the goals of sporting events is to improve individuals' quality of life and health, as well as to foster social cohesion, says Julio Pérez, Director General, INDEPORTE.