Running as a sport, traditionally, has always been diverse in terms of disciplines, with the likes of track, road, cross country and fell running. As a whole these were only pursued by a small minority of the population.
Barriers began to be broken down in the 1970's with the first running boom and the advent of the 'fun run'. Since then running has become a norm. Nobody looks twice when they see a lycra clad figure running through the streets or through the woods. This growth in the number of people running has, as well as swelling the ranks of those participating in the traditional areas of the sport, also seen the explosion of a whole range of new events. Such as mud runs, colour runs, sky runs, adventure racing ................
A quick search on Google will turn up a whole host of lists of events such as "11 of the UK's Quirkiest races", "The top 10 fun runs to sign up to in the UK", "The world's coolest themed runs", plus an almost limitless list of more specialist events.
Figures, from America (Running USA) estimated that there were 4 million participants in themed races during 2013. a massive growth considering these types of races / runs barely existed prior to 2010.
Further reports from America (Active.com) show that obstacle races and mud runs were the most popular. Following a survey of 1200 participants.
These events are fun and add variety to your racing calendar. I have tried night races and a colour run and enjoyed both.
Some of the innovations and ideas are now successfully entering 'main stream' events, such as Highgate Harriers 'Night of the 10,000m PB's' which included pacing assistance, photo finish and chip timing equipment, and a live band. Spectators are able to get up close to the action as after the gun goes the cordon is moved towards the inside lanes giving spectators a unique experience of being close to the competitors, creating an exciting atmosphere for the athletes.
Barriers began to be broken down in the 1970's with the first running boom and the advent of the 'fun run'. Since then running has become a norm. Nobody looks twice when they see a lycra clad figure running through the streets or through the woods. This growth in the number of people running has, as well as swelling the ranks of those participating in the traditional areas of the sport, also seen the explosion of a whole range of new events. Such as mud runs, colour runs, sky runs, adventure racing ................
Figures, from America (Running USA) estimated that there were 4 million participants in themed races during 2013. a massive growth considering these types of races / runs barely existed prior to 2010.
Further reports from America (Active.com) show that obstacle races and mud runs were the most popular. Following a survey of 1200 participants.
These events are fun and add variety to your racing calendar. I have tried night races and a colour run and enjoyed both.
Some of the innovations and ideas are now successfully entering 'main stream' events, such as Highgate Harriers 'Night of the 10,000m PB's' which included pacing assistance, photo finish and chip timing equipment, and a live band. Spectators are able to get up close to the action as after the gun goes the cordon is moved towards the inside lanes giving spectators a unique experience of being close to the competitors, creating an exciting atmosphere for the athletes.
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