Statistics from Sport England show that over 2.2 million of us now run at least once a week, a rise from 1.4 million five years ago. A record number of more than 38,000 took to the start line of the London Marathon this year. More than 70,000 runners have now completed the free Parkrun 5km, held at 330 locations, with many UK runs attracting more than 400 joggers a week.
Running isn’t free — but it beats the gym
If your new year’s resolution is to get fit without forking out for expensive gym membership, running might seem the obvious choice. In theory, it costs nothing — you slap on a pair of trainers, open your front door and off you go.
