Part 1 of Our Series
Running is more than just a sport – it is a global movement that connects people and offers both individual and societal benefits. But how has running behavior changed in recent years? What role does running play in health, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic? And how can injury risks be effectively minimized?
This article explores the global running boom, its health benefits and challenges – as well as the essential role of physiotherapy.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced global running habits. According to a study by World Athletics, over 20% of runners increased their running frequency during the pandemic – a trend that has continued post-pandemic (1). In Europe, the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) revealed that 44% of people aged 15 and older were physically active at least once a week – a slight increase compared to pre-pandemic years. Countries such as Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Luxembourg reported particularly high participation rates, even among older populations (2).
In Germany, running has thrived both competitively and recreationally. In 2024, Germany’s 15 largest marathon events broke a record with over 100,000 finishers – for the first time in 15 years. The Berlin Marathon alone reached a new all-time high with 54,164 participants, surpassing the previous record by more than 10,000 runners (3, 4).
Recreational running also grew significantly, with 5.88 million Germans jogging regularly by 2023 (5). Notably, female participation in events increased, with 34% at the Berlin Marathon and 35% at the Rennsteiglauf (3, 4).
Running has been shown to have significant physical and mental health benefits. A 2019 meta-analysis of 14 prospective studies with over 230,000 participants found that running reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 27%, cardiovascular disease by 30%, and cancer by 23% (6).
Additionally, running enhances mental well-being, reduces stress, and strengthens social connections (7, 8, 9). Its accessibility – requiring little more than a pair of shoes – makes it one of the most affordable and effective forms of exercise (10).
The increased popularity of running during and after the pandemic has also led to a rise in running-related injuries. A study published in PLOS ONE found that beginners and runners aged 18–25 had higher injury rates during the pandemic compared to the previous year (11).
Another risk factor was a prior COVID-19 infection: affected runners were 1.66 times more likely to sustain injuries, likely due to lingering effects of the virus (12). Symptoms such as myocarditis are particularly concerning, prompting experts to recommend a gradual return to running after COVID-19 (13).
Despite its many benefits, running injuries are common and can have serious consequences. Depending on the definition, injury rates range from 10.9 to 79 percent (6). Common injuries include:
The most common running-related injuries include:
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in preventing running injuries and ensuring long-term health and activity for runners.
Prevention Through In-Depth Analysis
Physiotherapists design tailored prevention strategies to help runners avoid overuse injuries. These include:
Treatment of Injuries
For acute injuries, physiotherapy offers manual therapy, mobilization exercises, and rehabilitation programs to restore full mobility. The focus is on helping runners return to their sport as quickly and safely as possible.
Education as the Key to Sustainability
In addition to prevention and treatment, education is crucial. Runners learn how to:
Running has the potential to promote not only individual health but also societal change towards a more active lifestyle. However, the rise in injuries highlights the importance of prevention and professional guidance from physiotherapists.
What are your experiences with running? Do you have tips or questions about getting started? Share this article on social media and let us know your thoughts. We look forward to your feedback!
theroga GbR Gemeinschaftspraxis für Physiotherapie
Thaerstraße 28a
10249 Berlin
Tel.: (030) 530 831 26
eMail: info@theroga.de
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
Saturday & Sunday: closed
