US road races have a moment, Cincinnati opens the way
Marathon race is largely back. The same goes for half-marathon, 10k and 5k, by the way. According to the report of Running USA 2024 races, the participation numbers have increased, exceeding pre-pale levels and showing no signs of slowdown. Throughout the country, the main marathons and road races at all distances see a record participation rate, proving that race events are more popular than ever.
Yesterday, the 2025 road race season in Cincinnati began with the closed window of the Bockfest 5K on the banks. I worked the event and I loved seeing 3,000 participants crossing the finish line and having a beer Bock to celebrate their accomplishment. The Bockfest 5K is only one of the many races across America having a moment according to Running USA.
Racing events
The Running USA study highlights several key trends by shaping the resurgence of marathons and road races in 2024:
- A record year – The TCS marathon in New York has become the largest race of all distances in the United States, with more than 56,000 finisters in November 2024. In the world, the world record for the largest marathon was broken twice – first in Berlin, then in New York.
- Overall participation is increasing – The 100 best races in 2024 saw 1,414,000 finisters, an increase of 12.7% compared to 2023 and almost at the 2019 levels.
- Half-marathons are increasing – The study revealed that a third of the 100 best races are half-marathons, indicating strong retention among active runners while attracting new participants.
- The races develop nationally – The 25 largest races of the year featured participants of 15 statespresenting a national appetite for the event race.
- Local races thrive – Not only the marathons of major cities – regional events and the theme races continue to grow in size and popularity, helping to stimulate the momentum of sport.
Why now? The racing boom explained
According to the study, several factors contribute to this renewed enthusiasm for marathons and road races:
- Post-countryic health priorities – Many people have adopted the race or walking as a way to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
- A feeling of community – Race events offer shared experience, attracting participants, volunteers and spectators.
- Innovation in breed experiences – The organizers invest more in the advantages of the participants, the experiences of the day of the race and the social commitment, making the races more attractive.
- The power of social media – The runners share their racing experiences, their training trips and their online finish line moments, inspiring more people to register.
Cincinnati’s Road Races: a local race boom
The national race growth is reflected in Cincinnati, where several major races continue to attract thousands of participants each year. Last year, the Flying Pig Marathon was elected the n ° 1 marathon in America by USA today readers.
Flying pork marathon (2 to 4 May 2025)
One of the most important and most loved marathons in the country, attracts him more than 40,000 participants over several racing distances, including a complete marathon, a half-marathon, 10k and 5k.
Redlegs Run (May 31, 2025)
Acistement for Cincinnati Sports fans, the Redlegs race includes a 5K and 10k, with routes that cross the large American ball park, the Maison des Cincinnati Reds.
Queen of Abeil’s half-marathon (October 10-11, 2025)
Event focused on women who presents a half-marathon and a 4-thousand race, the Queen Abeille celebrates female runners while promoting health and well-being.
DAV 5K (November 8, 2025)
The Banks’ DAV 5K hosts awareness and funds for DAV (American veterans with disabilities), bringing together runners / walkers in favor of the veterans community.
Running experiences a powerful resurgence, with large and small events by seeing increased participation on a national scale. The USA 2024 Top Races report confirms that the runners are back, and they are more committed than ever. Whether it is a world class marathon or a 5K local charity, the love for the race continues to grow – and Cincinnati is in the middle of this movement.
What race do you run after?
