Running is an athletic endeavor driven by time. The pursuit of breaking records like the four-minute mile, the two-hour marathon, and the 10-second 100m is a constant challenge for recreational runners. They meticulously analyze their “splits” (minutes per mile or kilometer) and obsess over shaving off precious seconds or minutes from their personal bests.
But the landscape of running is changing. While records continue to be broken at the highest level of the sport, the overall statistics of running have slowed down. Over the span of 32 years, from 1986 to 2018, the average finish times for a 10km race and a marathon have increased by about 12 minutes and 39 minutes, respectively.
The main reason for this slowdown is the diversification of the running community. Nowadays, start lines are filled with runners of all ages, abilities, shapes, and sizes. This is a stark contrast to the homogeneous field I encountered when I first began running over 30 years ago, where participants were predominantly lean, quick, and male.
Take, for example, Martinus Evans, a 36-year-old marathon runner who has amassed eight marathon medals. His running journey began 11 years ago when his doctor bluntly told him that he needed to lose weight or face dire consequences. At the time, he weighed 21st 7lb (136kg). Despite facing skepticism and ridicule, Evans made the audacious decision to run a marathon, which he accomplished successfully. Since then, he has completed over 100 races. According to Evans, running is not about numbers on a scale or a stopwatch; it is a pursuit that anyone can engage in, regardless of their current body size or shape.
Inspired by his own experiences, Evans established the Slow AF Run Club, an online community with over 10,000 members. He recently published a book with the same name, spreading his message that running is inclusive and accessible to everyone. Although Evans has faced challenges in past events, including derogatory remarks from the driver of the “sweeper vehicle” and logistical issues like missing medals and water at the finish line, he believes that the outlook for non-traditional runners is steadily improving. He cites one race director who started offering finisher T-shirts up to size 3XL after reading Evans’s story.
The London Marathon, one of the most prestigious races in the world, has also taken steps to accommodate slower runners. In 2020, following feedback from participants who had negative experiences in the previous year’s event, the marathon introduced a “back-of-the-pack” initiative. The finish line on the Mall now remains open until 7.30pm, with 50 dedicated “tailwalkers” who maintain an eight-hour marathon pace (18 minutes and 18 seconds per mile) starting at the back of the final wave. These tailwalkers are there to support any struggling runners, accompanying them to the finish line. Drinks stations and timing mats are kept operational until all tailwalkers have passed. Moreover, an alternative finish line in St James’s Park remains open for those who cross it after the official closing time. All participants who complete the marathon route on race day, regardless of the time, are awarded a medal.
Lisa Jackson, a member of the 100 Marathon Club and author of Your Pace or Mine?, applauds these initiatives. As someone who describes herself as “born genetically slow” and has finished last in 20 out of her 110 marathons, Jackson believes that racing should be inclusive and without arbitrary time limitations. To her, the connections and experiences she shares with fellow runners are more important than the stopwatch. Jackson’s perspective resonates with Bethan Taylor-Swaine, a PhD researcher studying the inclusivity of running. Taylor-Swaine believes that running should not be solely defined by speed, and that there are multiple dimensions to the running experience that should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Parkrun, a global series of free weekly 5km timed events, has played a significant role in welcoming runners of all abilities and backgrounds. Although not a race, Parkrun has a volunteer tailwalker at every event who ensures that nobody finishes last. This approach has helped challenge the traditional narrative around running, making it more inclusive and spacious. Chrissie Wellington, a former four-time Ironman world champion and head of health and wellbeing at Parkrun, is proud of the increasing finish times in Parkrun events. She believes that the key is providing opportunities and space for individuals to walk or run at their own pace, emphasizing that movement itself brings incredible health benefits.
It is essential to note that “slow running” does not equate to lack of commitment or passion. The reasons for running at a slower pace are varied, and each person’s journey is unique. Tina Muir, a former elite marathoner from Britain, retired from professional running at the age of 28. Despite her best times being behind her, Muir finds fulfillment in crossing the finish line by letting go of the pressure to perform at her peak. She takes joy in the experience of running, regardless of the time it takes her. Her recent 10km race, where she finished in 1hr 4min, her slowest ever, was immensely enjoyable for her.
As for me, I have discovered a new perspective on running as I have grown slower. Instead of fixating on racing and performance goals, I have shifted my focus to stress reduction, time spent in nature, and overall mental and physical health. I am not alone in this transformation. Sarah Kern, a runner of 25 years, made the decision to stop racing six years ago. She found that the comparative nature of racing affected her motivation and often led to injuries. Now, she enjoys running for the sheer pleasure of being outdoors and experiencing nature. Liberated from the need to care about her pace, Kern happily combines running and walking, taking breaks to capture photos of the wildlife she encounters.
Slow runners like us have embraced a new vocabulary that conveys positivity and inclusivity. Terms like “Jeffing” (a walk-run combination inspired by US Olympian Jeff Galloway), “picnic pace” (used by ultrarunners), and Martinus Evans’s coined term “sexy pace” celebrate the diversity of running styles and abilities.
Undoubtedly, there will always be critics who dismiss the value of slower running. However, it is vital to challenge the narrow definition of success based solely on speed. By asking different questions and valuing various aspects of the running experience, we can reshape the conversation around running. How a runner feels, what they consider as highlights, and how they choose to celebrate their achievements are equally valid and significant.
As I reflect on my own evolution as a runner, I realize that running is not solely defined by numbers on a clock. It is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey that encompasses physical health, mental well-being, and the joys of being part of a community. Regardless of pace, running has the power to transform lives and connect individuals from all walks of life.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
