To celebrate Global Running Day, RunMotion Coach is unveiling the sixth edition of State of Running in France, our annual study exploring how running and trail running are evolving across the country.
Conducted in April 2026 among more than 3,200 regular runners, the survey reveals the major trends transforming the sport, from race participation and training habits to motivation, technology and spending.
The 2026 edition confirms that running continues to evolve into much more than a sporting activity. Regular runners, defined as those training at least twice a week, are investing more time and money in their passion, embracing connected tools and looking for the right balance between performance, enjoyment, health and adventure.
More than ever, running has become a way of life.
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THE RACE BOOM IS SHOWING NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
Race entries continue to sell out at record speed.
In 2026, 60% of runners said they had been unable to register for at least one event because it was already full. Despite this growing pressure on race availability, runners’ enthusiasm remains stronger than ever: more than nine out of ten plan to take part in at least one event this year.
The way runners choose their races is also evolving.
Course profile has become the number-one decision factor, cited by 75% of respondents, closely followed by the setting and scenery at 73%. Location also remains important, with more than half of runners favouring events close to home.
Runners are no longer simply choosing a distance. They are looking for a complete experience, combining challenge, atmosphere and memorable surroundings.
ROAD AND TRAIL RUNNING ARE MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER
The line between road running and trail running continues to blur.
Today, 50% of runners take part in both road races and trail events, while 42% say they have already switched from one discipline to the other during their running journey.
This trend is especially strong among experienced runners, many of whom are turning to trail running to bring more variety into their training, explore new environments and take on different types of challenges.
Rather than being seen as two separate worlds, road and trail running are increasingly viewed as complementary.
Runners move more freely between the two, using each discipline to develop different skills, stay motivated and discover new ways to enjoy the sport.
RUNNING HAS NEVER BEEN MORE CONNECTED
Technology now plays a central role in the running experience.
An impressive 98% of runners use a mobile app as part of their training, while 97% wear a GPS watch during their runs.
Training data, progress tracking and personalised plans have become essential tools for runners looking to structure their preparation and achieve their goals.
This shift is also reflected in the way people train.
In 2026, 74% of runners follow a structured training plan, whether through a coaching app, a personal coach or a running club. Coaching apps in particular continue to grow as a leading source of guidance and support.
Today’s runners are not simply going out for a run. They are monitoring their progress, adapting their training and making more informed decisions at every stage of their journey.
RUNNERS’ MOTIVATIONS ARE CHANGING
Performance still matters, but it is no longer the only priority.
Runners are now driven by a broader range of motivations, reflecting a more balanced and personal relationship with the sport.
Physical fitness remains the main reason for running, cited by 83% of respondents. It is followed by personal challenges at 74%, health at 66% and overall well-being at 62%.
The most common goals for 2026 are equally revealing:
- 64% want to enjoy their running
- 52% aim to beat their personal bests
- 50% want to increase the distances they run
- 43% want to train consistently without getting injured
Enjoyment and balance now sit alongside performance as key priorities.
For many runners, progress is no longer measured only by pace or race results. It is also about staying healthy, feeling good and building a sustainable relationship with running.
RUNNERS ARE INVESTING MORE IN THEIR PASSION
Spending on running continues to rise.
In 2026, the average annual running budget reached €1,138, up 2% from the previous year.
This budget is mainly divided between:
- €505 for race entries
- €428 for equipment
- €205 for training and coaching
The growing investment reflects the increasingly important place running holds in people’s lives.
This premiumisation trend is particularly visible in the running shoe market. The average price paid for a pair of road running shoes has now reached €148, while runners use an average of three pairs per year.
Specialist running brands continue to gain ground, as runners look for greater comfort, stronger performance and equipment tailored to specific types of training and terrain.
Running is no longer viewed as a low-cost activity requiring little more than a pair of shoes. For committed runners, it has become a passion worth investing in.
WOMEN CONTINUE TO GAIN MOMENTUM
Women now represent 44% of respondents to State of Running in France, confirming their growing presence and influence within the running community.
One of the most striking findings is the level of ambition among female runners.
In 2026, 72% say they would like to take on a marathon or a long-distance trail race.
This ambition reflects the wider rise of women in endurance running, but several barriers still remain. These include concerns about the difficulty of preparation, fear of the distance and the feeling that some female-specific needs are still not sufficiently considered.
Nearly one in two female runners also feels that they do not have enough information about the impact of the menstrual cycle on training.
This highlights a major opportunity for coaches, brands, healthcare professionals and the wider running industry to provide more relevant, accessible and personalised support for women.
A MORE INFORMED RUNNING COMMUNITY
The way runners search for information is changing rapidly.
Websites, coaching apps, healthcare professionals and specialist content creators now play a central role in decisions related to training, recovery and equipment.
Social media also remains essential for keeping up with running news and trends.
Strava, Instagram, YouTube and podcasts are among the most popular channels used by runners to learn, find inspiration and connect with the wider community.
Today’s runners have access to more content, expertise and training advice than ever before.
As a result, they are becoming more knowledgeable, more demanding and more involved in the choices they make.
RUNNING IS ENTERING A NEW ERA OF MATURITY
The 2026 edition of State of Running in France by RunMotion Coach shows that running is entering a new stage of maturity.
Runners are better equipped, better informed and more committed to their practice. The boundaries between road and trail continue to fade, while motivations are becoming more diverse and increasingly centred around enjoyment, health, adventure and personal achievement.
The growing number of sold-out races, rising annual budgets and widespread adoption of digital tools all point to the same conclusion: the running community has never been more engaged.
One message stands out clearly from this year’s study.
Running is no longer just a sport.
It is a lifestyle.
Discover the full study on running and trail running in France: State of Running in France 2026.