What Percentage of the Population Has Run a Marathon?
Here’s something wild: even though millions sign up for races every year, the percent of population who have run a marathon remains surprisingly low.
Globally, it’s estimated that between 0.01% and 0.1% of people have ever completed a marathon. That means in a world of over 8 billion, only 800,000 to 8 million people may have hit that 42.195 km mark.
To put that in perspective:
- More people have climbed Mount Everest than finished an ultra-marathon.
- Only about 1 in every 2,000 people globally has run a marathon.
In developed countries, the number is slightly better. About 0.5% to 1% of Americans have run a marathon, thanks to more access to events, fitness culture, and running communities. That number can be even higher in running-centric nations like Norway or Australia.
If you’re wondering how rare you are for even considering marathon training – know this: you’re part of a tiny group of people pushing boundaries.
When we say only a tiny percent of population who have run a marathon, we mean it. The global estimate of marathon finishers hovers around 1.1 million people per year. That sounds like a lot until you compare it with the 8+ billion people on Earth. That’s barely 0.014% annually.
But here’s a deeper layer: not everyone who runs a marathon does so every year. Many people run just once in a lifetime – meaning lifetime totals aren’t growing rapidly.
Also, this small group tends to come from wealthier, urban regions. Why? Access to races, safe training areas, proper nutrition, and even time to train aren’t equally available worldwide. A person in rural India or sub-Saharan Africa may not have the resources or opportunities to train for a marathon.
Marathon finishers tend to be disproportionately concentrated in countries like the U.S., Japan, Canada, Australia, and parts of Western Europe – places where endurance sports are part of the culture. This further shrinks the true percentage globally.
Why Are So Few People Running Marathons?
Despite the rise of recreational fitness, the number of people who run marathons each year is still quite limited.
Here’s why:
- Physical demand: Running 26.2 miles taxes every system in your body. From joint strain to muscle breakdown, it’s not something most people casually attempt.
- Time commitment: Marathon training requires 3–5 runs a week, often over 16 weeks or more. For working parents or students, that’s tough.
- Mental pressure: The mental side is often more challenging than the physical. Long runs can be lonely, and motivation fluctuates.
- Health concerns: People with chronic conditions or injuries may not be medically cleared, which limits participation.
There’s also the perception problem: many folks believe marathons are only for the “super fit.” But here’s an insider truth – The majority of marathoners aren’t elite athletes. Most are everyday people juggling jobs, families, and weekend long runs.
If that’s you? You belong here.
And if you’ve been holding back, ask yourself this: What would happen if I actually tried?
Beyond the obvious physical demand, cultural and economic barriers play a big role. In some regions, running is not socially supported. For example, women in certain countries face restrictions or safety issues that prevent them from training outside. Others might not even know marathons exist as a public event they can join.
Let’s not forget that many marathon entry fees cost anywhere from $80 to $300 USD, not including gear, travel, or accommodation. For some families, that’s a monthly food budget. Add to that the cost of good running shoes, clothes, and recovery tools, and it starts to look more like a luxury than a goal.
Then there’s the psychological side. People often underestimate the emotional effort of marathon training. You need to stay focused for 4–6 months. That’s a lot of discipline, especially if you’re managing work, family, and personal struggles.
That’s why even just starting marathon training is a bold decision and finishing one is downright heroic.
How Many People Run Marathons Each Year?
| Country | Estimated Finishers (2024) | Notable Races & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~500,000 | NYC, Chicago, Boston |
| Japan | ~300,000 | Tokyo, Osaka |
| France | ~270,000 | Paris Marathon |
| Germany | ~260,000 | Berlin Marathon |
| United Kingdom | ~250,000 | London Marathon |
| China | ~200,000 | Beijing, Shanghai |
| Canada | ~150,000 | Toronto, Vancouver |
| Australia | ~120,000 | Sydney Marathon |
| Brazil | ~100,000 | São Paulo, Rio |
| South Korea | ~90,000 | Seoul, Busan |
| Spain | ~80,000 | Barcelona, Madrid |
| India | ~70,000 | Mumbai, Delhi |
| South Africa | ~50,000 | Cape Town, Comrades |
The United States leads with over 500,000 finishers, thanks to races like Boston, Chicago, and New York City. Japan comes next with a deeply ingrained running culture and popular events like Tokyo Marathon.
For more on how race organizers track such a massive number of runners, check out our guide on how marathon timing really works.
Interestingly, countries like Australia and Canada punch above their weight, with marathon participation rates close to 0.2% of their population. Meanwhile, rapidly growing running communities in China, India, and Brazil are expanding the global reach of endurance sports.
So when you train for or run a marathon, you’re not just chasing a personal goal, you’re becoming part of a unique global movement.
Looking closer, certain events contribute a huge percentage of that figure. For instance, the New York City Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and London Marathon all bring in between 40,000–55,000 runners each. That means just five or six big city events contribute over a quarter of the total.
There are also countless mid-size marathons, often with 2,000 to 10,000 participants, which account for most of the yearly volume. These smaller races make the experience more accessible but are often underrepresented in statistics.
One fascinating trend: participation in women-only marathons has grown significantly in the past 10 years. Events like the Nike Women’s Marathon (now discontinued) and others have encouraged thousands of first-timers to tackle the distance.
So when someone asks, “How many people run marathons?”, know that it’s still a niche achievement – one that only a fraction of people will ever reach.
Is Running a Marathon More Popular Than It Used to Be?
Over the past 40 years, marathon running has gone through several waves.
The first boom came in the 1980s, inspired by events like the first mass-participation New York City Marathon and a push for fitness in the post-jogging era. Back then, running was seen as radical – a counterculture hobby that meant freedom, self-expression, and strength.
In the 2000s, the second boom hit. Events exploded in popularity, charity marathons surged, and major races reached waitlist status. The “bucket list marathon” became a thing. Running a marathon was no longer just for athletes—it was something anyone could train for.
The early 2010s brought tech innovation. GPS watches, running apps, and online training groups helped runners track progress and stay motivated. As digital accountability grew, so did participation.
Then came the pandemic. COVID-19 in 2020 disrupted race calendars worldwide. Thousands of races were canceled or postponed, forcing many athletes to switch to virtual races. Participation dipped dramatically, and many questioned whether marathons would bounce back.
But post-2022, we’re seeing a major comeback. Runners are eager to return to live events. Cities are reporting record registration numbers. And the desire to connect in person after years of isolation is driving renewed interest in races.
While other endurance formats like trail ultras, relays, and obstacle races have emerged, the marathon remains king. It’s symbolic. It’s historic. And for many, it’s still the ultimate measure of resilience.
More recently, marathon participation is seeing a new kind of runner – those driven not by time goals, but by mental health, mindfulness, and lifestyle transformation. This trend suggests the marathon isn’t just enduring, it’s evolving.
Whether you’re aiming to qualify for Boston or just complete your first 26.2, you’re part of this growing, changing movement.
Why Do People Choose to Run a Marathon?
The motivations behind marathon running are as varied as the people who do it. Some chase the thrill of a new challenge. Others seek healing, meaning, or a way to honor someone they’ve lost.
One runner may want to lose weight and get healthy. Another might be raising money for cancer research. And some just want to prove to themselves they can do hard things.
What makes the marathon so powerful is that it offers something different to everyone. It’s a blank canvas for growth, transformation, and identity. Training forces you to face your limits—and go beyond them. You build discipline, resilience, and confidence one mile at a time.
The experience also offers connection. Whether you train alone or with a group, the shared goal builds community. Marathon finish lines are full of tears, hugs, and stories. You feel part of something bigger than yourself.
How Hard Is It to Train for a Marathon?
Let’s not sugarcoat it – marathon training is hard. But it’s also highly doable with the right plan and mindset.
The key is gradual progression. You don’t need to run 20 miles on day one. In fact, most beginner plans start with just 3–4 miles, slowly increasing over weeks.
A standard 16-week marathon training plan includes:
- Short runs: 3–5 miles, 2–3x/week
- Long run: Gradually increasing from 6 to 20 miles
- Rest days: Crucial for recovery and injury prevention
- Cross-training: Cycling, swimming, or yoga to balance stress
- Tapering: Reducing mileage 2–3 weeks before race day
But here’s the surprising part. Most people don’t quit because of physical pain. They quit because of doubt, stress, or burnout.
That’s why mental preparation is just as important. Having a coach, running buddy, or support group makes a massive difference.
And remember: your goal isn’t to be fast. It’s to finish strong, healthy, and proud.
Training also changes your social life. Weekend long runs may replace brunches or late nights. You might even adjust your work schedule to fit workouts in. And that’s OK, it’s temporary. But it helps to talk to your family or partner in advance, so they can support the shift.
Hydration and fueling play a bigger role than most expect. You’ll need to practice drinking fluids and consuming carbohydrates on long runs to avoid hitting the wall.
To train smarter and avoid burnout, it’s worth spending time mastering running zones so you know how hard to push on each run.
Learning what your stomach can tolerate is part of the process.
And don’t underestimate the value of recovery tools. Foam rollers, massage guns, stretching routines, and sleep quality matter more as mileage builds.
Lastly, setbacks are normal. Illness, injury, or a bad run won’t derail your entire plan unless you let it. The most successful marathoners aren’t the most talented, they’re the most consistent and forgiving of themselves when things go sideways.
How Do You Compare to the Average Runner?
| Stat | Beginner Runner | Intermediate Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Finish Time (Men) | 4:30:00–5:30:00 | 3:30:00–4:15:00 |
| Finish Time (Women) | 4:50:00–5:45:00 | 3:45:00–4:30:00 |
| Average Training Weeks | 16–20 | 12–16 |
| Typical Weekly Mileage | 30–45 km | 50–70 km |
| Longest Training Run Before Race | 28–32 km | 32–35 km |
Keep in mind, over 90% of marathoners are not racing for speed. They’re racing for personal growth.
Whether you finish in 3 hours or 6.5, you’ve done something extraordinary.
If you’re working up to a full marathon, our half marathon time chart for beginners can help you set realistic pace goals and track your progress.
And every runner you see on race day? They were once a beginner too.
It’s easy to feel unsure when you see fast runners or elite times. But remember, the average marathon runner is not elite. They’re regular people who made a plan and stuck with it.
In fact, finish time trends over the past two decades have slowed, not sped up. Why? Because more beginners and non-competitive runners are joining marathons. And that’s a good thing – it means the event is becoming more inclusive.
You might also be surprised to know that many runners finish over the 5-hour mark, and still have deeply rewarding experiences. These runners often train with walk/run strategies, use fuel belts, and listen to their bodies. And they’re just as respected at the finish line.
Another insight: runners in their 40s often perform better than those in their 20s. Why? Life experience, pacing discipline, and mental grit.
There’s also a rise in people over 60 completing marathons. With more training resources and better understanding of longevity, running has become a lifelong sport.
So don’t worry if you’re slower than someone else. If you finish, you’ve achieved what 99.9% of people haven’t. That puts you in elite company – no matter the clock.
What If You’re Thinking About Running One?
Thinking about running your first marathon? That’s exciting and maybe a little overwhelming.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re starting from scratch:
- You don’t need to be a lifelong athlete. Many marathoners started with zero running experience.
- Choose a marathon training plan for beginners that lasts 16–20 weeks.
- Build slowly. Focus on consistency over speed.
- Invest in proper shoes (visit a local running store for a fit).
- Fuel your body well. Learn about nutrition for long-distance running.
- Join a local or online community to stay motivated.
Also: tell someone your goal. Saying it out loud makes it real.
This journey will challenge you—but it’ll change you too. And when you cross that finish line, everything else will feel easier.
Because you’ll know—you did something 99% of people never will.
Why This Matters More Than the Stats
Let’s forget the numbers for a second.
Running a marathon is about more than being part of the 0.5% or chasing a medal. It’s about transformation.
It’s about setting a goal, working through the hard days, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
And it’s about connecting with others, with your body, and with something deeper inside you.
So whether you’re training now, thinking about it, or you’ve already crossed that finish line, take a moment to celebrate.
You’re part of something rare. Something powerful.
References and Data Sources
This article was informed by publicly available data and expert analysis from the following sources:
- Marathon Handbook: How Many People Have Run a Marathon?
- RunBlogRun: Global Road Running Finishers Up 17% in 2024
- NYRR: 2024 New York City Marathon By the Numbers
- Wikipedia: 2024 Chicago Marathon
- Wall Street Journal: Marathon Popularity on the Rise (2025)
- World-Track: RRW Global Finishers Report
All efforts were made to ensure factual accuracy based on 2024–2025 data available at the time of writing.
