Running USA’s Annual Marathon Report

U.S.
finisher total surpasses ½ million mark for the first time;
more all-time records for the classic distance; ING New York
City Marathon sets another world record as largest ever

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –
(March 16, 2011) – Despite the lingering recession, “marathon
mania” continued in the U.S. with another record year of growth
as U.S. marathons in 2010 had an estimated 507,000 finishers,
an 8.6% increase from 2009, the second largest increase in the
past 25 years (U.S. marathons grew 9.9% in 2009). Last year, across
the country, the majority of large marathons reported sold-out or
record fields, and 2011 looks to continue this growth trend as
the following U.S. marathons have sold-out in record time:
Boston (8 hours!), Marine Corps (28 hours) and Bank of America
Chicago (31 days), while other marathons such as Chevron
Houston, Big Sur, LIVESTRONG Austin and Cowtown also filled
their fields.

In past annual marathon reports, Running USA
has summarized why this impressive and historic growth has
happened, namely training programs (charity and non-charity),
the challenge of 26.2 miles, bucket list appeal, women’s growth
and fun, well-organized community events.

For the complete 2010 report with a summary of marathon demographics and interesting stats and trends, CLICK here.