Run clubs, marathons, and 5Ks are nothing new, but they’ve certainly skyrocketed back to popularity. In fact, running was the most popular sport to be recorded in 2023, and is still growing rapidly, according to exercise tracking app Strava. On TikTok, there’s a #runtok trend that’s amassed millions of views, with people of all ages documenting their fitness journeys. Everyone seems to be running from their issues—literally. But why have we decided to run, and does it actually work?
“People are naturally drawn to movement because it’s a powerful way to process emotions, especially after a tough event like a breakup,” says BJ Armstead, MSW, mental performance coach and owner of Apollo Sports Counseling. “Sports and physical activity are more than just about fitness—they offer a structured way to channel energy, release stress, and focus on something tangible.”
Armstead adds that going to the gym or the track can help reintroduce a feeling of mastery and agency when everything feels out of control. “When people experience emotional pain, getting physically active can serve as a form of therapy, helping them ‘move through’ their emotions quite literally,” he says