With more people than ever taking to the pavements this year, following gym closures and Covid-19 restrictions across Europe, SportsShoes conducted the research to pinpoint the biggest running spots across the continent and inspire healthy competition between different cities and countries.
Data from popular running app MapMyRun was used to analyse over 1,110,000 recorded runs across more than 250 European cities, to reveal where in Europe has the largest running communities.
The research reveals Ireland to be the country that has the most runners, with a whopping 1,401 running routes logged per 10,000 people which is more than double the number of the UK which comes in at second place. Germany and France followed in third and fourth respectively.
Running in the UK
The research also looked at city specific data, analysing running route data for cities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The findings revealed that Edinburgh has the most runners in the UK with 763 routes logged per 10,000 habitants, followed by Hull and Bristol.
Surprisingly perhaps, London didn’t make the top 10. Instead it was the North of England that dominated, with Manchester, Leeds and Birkenhead coming in 6th, 7th and 9th respectively.
South-East cities Southend-On-Sea and Reading also feature, while Cardiff was the only Welsh city to make the list, coming in at 4th.
Top running UK cities
- Edinburgh – 763 routes logged per 10k people
- Hull – 693 routes logged per 10k people
- Bristol – 492 routes logged per 10k people
- Cardiff – 491 routes logged per 10k people
- Reading – 461 routes logged per 10k people
- Manchester – 409 routes logged per 10k people
- Leeds – 389 routes logged per 10k people
- Glasgow – 384 routes logged per 10k people
- Birkenhead – 309 routes logged per 10k people
- Southend-on-Sea – 256 routes logged per 10k people.
Top running countries in Europe
- Ireland – 1,401 routes logged per 10k people
- United Kingdom – 628 routes logged per 10k people
- Germany – 264 routes logged per 10k people
- France – 207 routes logged per 10k people
- Belgium – 204 routes logged per 10k people
- Italy – 195 routes logged per 10k people
- Switzerland – 162 routes logged per 10k people
- Netherlands – 107 routes logged per 10k people
- Czech Republic – 96 routes logged per 10k people
- Greece– 87 routes logged per 10k people
Dan Cartner, Senior Marketing and E-commerce Manager at SportsShoes.com commented: “Running is a fantastic way to enjoy city sights whilst getting some exercise and fresh air. In recent years, we’re delighted to have seen more investment in running infrastructure in cities, with runners able to jog in expansive city parks, explore detailed trail systems and even join local city running groups.
With the current pandemic, more people than ever are turning to outdoor exercise to keep fit, stay healthy and boost their immune system and running is the perfect way to do this. What this data shows is a real love for running all across Europe.’
To read more about the research and a full break down of the top cities please visit: https://www.sportsshoes.com/