Is Running a Hobby? 11 Top Reasons it’s the Best Hobby For You

Running is a fairly popular sport in the modern day. We see it with high school and college track meets. Charity runs from 5ks to marathons. And people who run just to live a healthy lifestyle.

You might ask, “Is running a sport or a hobby?”

Well, it’s both.

Is Running a Sport or a Hobby?

Running is a sport. A person can run cross country, track, and compete in long-distance events such as half marathons and marathons. You can even become an Olympic runner if you’re good at running.

Running is also a hobby. If you like running, you can simply lace up your shoes and head out your door. You could also join a friend or a group to socialize while you run.

The long and short of it is that running is a sport and a hobby.

How Can Running Be a Hobby?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hobby as “the pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” So how can running be a hobby?

Running is a hobby because it’s something that people can do just for fun.

There’s no required race or event that a person needs to participate in to be considered a runner. If you run, you are a runner.

For some, running is a passion. They might never run a race or compete, but they find relaxation and joy in the sport. This is a big part of why many choose running as their hobby.

Why Running is a Great Hobby

So now that we’ve concluded that running is indeed a hobby, you likely want to know why it’s a great hobby. What makes running better than other health and fitness hobbies?

I’m glad you asked!

1. Running Keeps You Healthy

Running can help you get and stay healthy.

When we incorporate running as a hobby, it becomes a habit. A healthy habit at that.

Running is good for your cardiovascular health. Studies show that distance runners have more efficient hearts when compared to those who are inactive. This is a big win for making running your new favorite hobby.

2. Running Makes You Feel Good

Running is a hobby that can help us to feel great.

But how?

Running increases the level of endocannabinoids in our bloodstream. You may have heard about the endorphin release that exercise causes. While the concept of what we believe endorphins to be isn’t quite accurate, the endocannabinoids are what we’re referring to.

Those neuromodulators are responsible for helping us to relax and make us feel good.

3. Running is Fun

Although some people would disagree, running is a fun hobby that can excite your life.

If you enjoy traveling, running can take you almost anywhere. There are great races in the U.S. and all around the world. Running a race is always a great excuse to take time off and see new places.

There’s also the opportunity to run “fun run” races. These races are often all about having a good time rather than racing at a fast pace.

One fun run is the Color Run, where runners run through areas with colorful powders tossed onto them. By the end, the runners are full of bright colors for the post-run party.

4. Running is Accessible to Many

Running is open to all who are able and wish to participate. You don’t have to be the world’s best runner; you don’t even have to be “good” at it!

Running is available to anyone regardless of pace, endurance, and age. If it’s a sport you can physically participate in, not much else can stop you from joining the running community.

Running is also virtually free. There aren’t many hobbies that come at a price tag of $0, but running is one. Although you need your basics to get started (good running shoes and moisture-wicking clothing), you’re set for a long time once you have them.

5. Run Where You Want When You Want

Unlike a gym or a fitness studio, running can be done essentially anywhere. Of course, you need to be sure you’re not running on private property, but you aren’t confined to one place.

You also don’t have to depend on a place that opens and closes. If you work odd hours or need to get your workout in late at night, you can totally run whenever is best for you

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6. You Don’t Have to Leave Home

This is true in one of two ways.

✅ You can run at home on the treadmill.

✅ No need to drive somewhere. You can head right out your front door.

For many hobbies, we need to take some sort of transportation to get to the activity. Running is a form of transportation on its own.

Although you might opt to drive to a nearby park or a group run meet-up, it’s very possible that you could just start running right from where you live.

7. Running is a Social Hobby

Runners love to be social.

In nearly every city across the U.S., you can find runners who join for group runs. There are group runs centered around common interests. You can even find run groups that end the run at a brewery for post-run beverages.

Running can be done alone, but running with a group is always a good time!

8. Running Events Are Exciting

If you’ve never attended a race, especially as a participant, you might not know how exciting it can be.

At many races, you’ll experience the support of strangers standing along the race course cheering you on. Most races also have post-race festivities, including food, beverages, and even concerts.

If you want to take your hobby somewhere exciting, I suggest you sign up for a race of any distance.

9. Running is Low Pressure

A great reason to try your hand at running for your new fitness hobby is the low pressure associated with it.

Unlike a team sport, running doesn’t bring any expectations of your abilities. If you aren’t great at running, that’s okay! You’ll likely find a running buddy who can help you improve if that’s what you want.

10. Running Helps You Learn About Yourself

You’ll learn a lot about yourself when you spend many miles out on the road running.

If you’re running alone, you’ll have time to think. You’ll have more time to think if you run a marathon or other long distance.

Although there will be moments where you feel like giving up, you’ll have moments of persistence that show you you’re capable of anything you set your mind to. Wouldn’t you like to learn that you’re a determined person?

11. Running Provides “Me” Time

Do you like to listen to audiobooks or a podcast? Are you obsessed with music but don’t have much time to listen to it?

Running helps you set aside time throughout your week to help you focus on the most important thing: YOU.

You’ve probably heard the quote, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This is real. If you don’t take time to care for yourself in healthy ways, you won’t be able to assist others in a meaningful way.

This is true for anyone, including the “mother runners” community or women who enjoy running that have children.

Get those running shoes on to help everyone and, most importantly, help you!

Is Running a Cheap Hobby?

Running can certainly be a cheap hobby.

If you want to get into running as a hobby, you can make it work on a budget. You’ll need to start with a few solid running clothing items, but once you have those, you’ll be set for a while.

On the other hand, running can be an expensive hobby. If you get into it and find that you love running races, you could easily spend several hundred dollars a year just registering for various races.

Running clothes can also come at a fairly steep price tag. Especially running shoes.

It’s important to remember that running shoes and proper running clothes are necessary to create the best experience for your new hobby. You wouldn’t find much satisfaction in your new hobby if every time you ran, you ended up with a blister from bad running socks or shoes.

Planning for the best by investing in good clothing from the start is a good idea. Shirts and shorts or pants can last for years for running. Shoes will last a few hundred miles until they need to be replaced.

While running can be a cheap hobby, you can also spend a lot of money on it if that’s your desire.

How to Take Up Running as a Hobby

If you’re now asking yourself, “How do I start running as a hobby?” I’ve got the best answer for you!

First, remember that you don’t want to start too big. If you decide today that you want to run a marathon by next month, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

To enjoy your new hobby and continue it long-term, it’s best to start small and build from there.

You can start by running for a very short amount of time. For your first run, you can run for 10 or 15 minutes. If this seems like a lot or too little, try to run for the amount of time that allows you to run without becoming overly tired.

Another technique is to try the run-walk method, which helps you to take regular walking breaks. This is a great method to use even when completing a race!

Once you’ve completed this first run, assess the following day.

How do you feel? Are your muscles sore? Would you like to run again?

From here, you can build a healthy habit of running regularly. Consistency is key if you’re looking to create a beneficial running routine. Consider starting a morning run routine to make your new hobby stick! 

Running Marathons as a Hobby

Can a person run marathons as a hobby? That distance is so far; surely, this must only be a competitive sport.

Running marathons is a great hobby! If you find that running is a type of workout that makes you feel good and that running long distances is no issue, you can consider running marathons as a hobby.

Marathons are great because they happen all around the world. This means you can run marathons in all different countries and cities while taking a little vacation too!

If running and traveling are your passions, then you can’t go wrong with running marathons as a hobby.

Why is Running Becoming a More Popular Hobby?

Running has become more popular for many looking for a wellness hobby. But why?

Running is a very accessible workout. You don’t need to own any weights. You don’t need to go to a gym or a studio. Although you can spend money on running clothes and shoes, running is generally affordable for someone looking to make it a hobby.

Running has also become more popular because people can do it alone. It’s not usually a team sport so it can be done whenever you have free time.

Is a 5k Good for a Beginner?

A 5k is a great distance for a beginner to run. If you’re a new running hobbyist considering what to do next, a 5k is a great goal.

A 5k allows you to try racing with a lower risk than setting out to run a half marathon or a marathon. A 5k is about 3.1 miles and can be the perfect distance for a hobby runner to run any day of the week.

If you try running a 5k and enjoy it, the next recommended distance to race is 10k. It might be obvious that a 10k is double the mileage of a 5k, but there are probably many other things you’ll want to know about a 10k.

My Hobby is Running Long-Distance Running

My hobby is long-distance running. I’m not a fast runner, but I can run long distances.

That’s why I became a long-distance running hobbyist. I ran winter track in high school, completing the 800-meter race (a half mile). I never came in the top three positions and almost always came in last.

When I ran my first half marathon, I realized how fun it was to run in a race without real expectations. I was able to run at my pace and enjoy my time. I had found my new favorite hobby!

Long-distance running is a great option for many but always check with your doctor before adding running into your routine.

Final Thoughts: Can Running Be a Hobby?

There are so many reasons that running makes the perfect hobby. In today’s world, we can now run regardless of our speed or elite status. To improve your quality of life and find something you enjoy, you should consider running!