Nearly every sector experienced "astounding growth" despite the economic downturn, says Running USA, a national nonprofit organization, in the recently released second part of its annual State of the Sport survey.
But consider these national statistics: The number of marathon finishers in 2009 increased nearly 10 percent from the previous year to a record 467,000. More than 1.1 million people finished a half-marathon, a 24 percent increase from 2008. The group estimates there were approximately 10 million U.S. road race finishers in 2009, also a record high.
The report concludes running appears to be recession proof because it's inexpensive, easy to do and accessible to all ages.
"The two A's — affordability and accessibility - are very important," said Richard Finn, spokesman for New York Road Runners, which hosts the ING New York City Marathon. The event is the world's largest marathon; 43,660 people finished it in 2009. Organizers have received about 120,000 applications for this year's Nov. 7 race, the fourth consecutive year it's had more than 100,000 applicants.
"The fact is that everybody can run, because it's just part of our makeup," Finn said.
"It doesn't mean you'll run well, but everyone can run."
Running USA researcher Ryan Lamppa said the sport is not only an inexpensive way to exercise and lose weight but also to socialize.
It might also add stability in an otherwise unstable situation, he added, because it "gives you something to control - you can't control the stock market or the economy, but you can control your health."
Play the odds
More than 9,000 people registered on Tuesday's opening of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon lottery.
Registration, which is available at chevronhoustonmarathon.com, closes at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 12.
Those who have registered will be notified by e-mail if they've been selected or not on Aug. 17. The field for the Jan. 30 races will be limited to 22,000.
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