Why Do So Many People Run Marathons?

For most people, the concept of running 26.22 miles is utter madness! In this post, we take a look at why do so many people run marathons each year.

Why Do So Many People Run Marathons?

India Lewis
  • Post by India Lewis
  • Last updated: November 22, 2017

We see them all the time outside with their fancy shoes, loose shorts, and paper numbers pinned to their shirts. They’re running up and down the streets at full speed just to cross the finish line and get a medal for a prize.

The real question is, why do so many people run marathons? Do they not get tired? Do they not get bored of running? Do marathons benefit the person running them? We’ve got all the answers you need to understand why people run marathons.

1. Helps Keep Weight Under Control

One of the greatest reasons why people run marathons so often is because the extensive training helps them keep their weight under control. In fact, the constant running and training for the marathons help to burn more calories than just walking or other cardio workouts alone. Running, since it burns more calories, allows you to eat your favorite foods, and it can help you stay in shape for longer.

Running also builds muscle, which will be discussed later, and the building of muscle helps burn away fat from the body. You can trim up and stay slim by running marathons on a regular basis.

2. Helps Exert Energy

Are you an energetic person? If so, then running marathons might be a great option for you. In fact, many people run marathons and train for them simply to help exert their excess energy.

It is a great way to burn off energy before bed or even help you burn off energy before a long meeting or lecture. You can run for as long as you want as well, which means you don’t have to spend a certain amount of time running just to burn off energy.

Even if you don’t feel like you have a lot of energy one day, running can help you find energy if you need it.

Either way, running helps you keep a healthy balance of energy in the body to prevent you from overdoing it or under doing it.

3. Helps De-Stress the Body

training for marathons is a great way to help boost the serotonin in the body

Running marathons on a regular basis is a great way to help relieve stress. For many people, this is the sole reason why they run.

Pounding their feet against the pavement is the way that they calm down after a stressful day. Sometimes the runs are short; other times they are long, but running and training for marathons is a great way to help boost the serotonin in the body that creates a less stressful feeling and a happier countenance.

If you’ve had a rough day at work or even school, running is perfect for helping you sweat away from the stress and relax.

4. Helps Build Stamina and Endurance

It only stands to reason that by being competitive and training for a marathon would help boost your stamina and endurance.

There are multiple reasons why having a higher stamina level, and higher endurance would be beneficial, and winning a marathon is one of them.

You might also be able to play with your kids longer, be able to shop longer, or just enjoy playing games with your family. If you are about to go on a vacation, running could help you if you choose to do a lot of walking, hiking, or more.

5. Helps Boost Self-Confidence

One of the biggest mental benefits of running and training for marathons is the self-confidence that it can bring. With a better weight control, stronger muscles, and better endurance, your mind will begin to appreciate yourself more and more each time you run.

Plus, running, as I said earlier, helps boost serotonin, which is the happy chemical in the brain. Running on a regular basis will help you look and feel great at the same time.

6. Helps Build Muscle

Of course, after running and training for multiple days, you may begin to notice your leg muscles getting sore. Because runners use their legs and core to run faster and longer, these muscles begin to strengthen. Those that train for marathons also do other exercises besides running to help build all the muscles in the body at the same time.

By building muscles, you are also helping to burn more fat, which could help you get your weight down. Since we know that running helps keep your weight under control, it is a great idea to run on a regular basis.

7. Simply Because They Can

Personally, my muse and motivation for running marathons are simple – I run marathons because I can.

Depressing as it may seem, there’ll come a time when I can’t throw on my shoes, sunglasses and run 26.22 miles.

Conclusion

If you’re excited after reading this article and are inspired to run your first marathon, make sure you check out our running a marathon for beginners guide!

Runners are always keen the join the next marathon, but why? Why do so many people run marathons? This question is a good one, but it turns out that marathon provides many benefits to the runners.

From muscles to self-confidence, it seems that marathons are great for all levels of runners and even all ages as well.

Running a marathon is great for both physical and mental things to make you look and feel amazing. Are you convinced to start running marathons yourself? I am!

Brooks Running

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