To celebrate National Running Day in the U.S., Brooks Running Company connected with runners across the country to find out what running means to them. The company's second annual “Brooks Run Happy Nation Report” revealed that for 76 percent of all runners, people look sexy when they are running and three-quarters agree that they would be more attracted to someone if they found out that he or she was a runner. Half of all the people surveyed admitted they have used running as their pick-up line.
The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and more, who run at least once a week, between April 4 and 14 this year, using an e-mail invitation and an online survey.
Almost three-quarters of respondents (73 percent) said that attractive running gear motivates them to get up and out the door. Running is seen as having an impact on couples doing the sport together, as 71 percent of respondents said they believe running together plays a part in their sex life, for better or for worse.
Most respondents said running also has a positive impact on their brains, as 83 percent of respondents said they come up with their best ideas and inspiration while running. The fresh air plays a role, as 85 percent said their ideas come to them in the great outdoors vs. 76 percent who said best ideas come to them while running inside.
Technology is important for 78 percent of respondents, and the number rockets to 92 percent in the 18-24 age group. Smartphones lead the pack as the must-have piece of running technology for 41 percent.
Finally, runners seem to have strong opinions about when, where, and with whom they prefer to run. Early risers lead the bunch with 42 percent preferring to run before the sun goes up, followed by the 29 percent of runners who run whenever they have the time. Lunch-time runners make up 16 percent of the total sample while 12 percent said they prefer the night.
As for the choice of terrain, many respondents said they are attracted to open trails and scenic views, with 42 percent saying they have at least once picked a vacation for its choice of running options. Running with a companion is preferable, as 59 percent of the survey respondents said running with a buddy makes it easier to stay on track.
