Sharing their running or weightlifting performance on social media has become the norm for many amateur athletes through applications like Strava or Instagram. Over 60,000 participants, both professionals and amateurs, took on the challenge to complete the 42 km Paris Marathon 2026 this Sunday, setting a record. Half of them were running such a long distance for the first time.
There is a real enthusiasm for running, whether on the road or trails, confirmed at each event, not to mention the surge in gym attendance. Athletes love to share their achievements on social media, such as Strava, Facebook, Instagram. They run for themselves, but also to receive likes or ‘kudos,’ the Strava equivalent of a like.
Some runners go even further, paying other Strava users to run in their place and collect likes, which may not be the initial purpose of the application. Social networks play a very important role in running practice, but it may not necessarily be the reason why people run. The main motivations remain maintaining physical health, relieving stress, and challenging oneself.
Strava users like Jean-Philippe Doux sometimes share their performance for motivation, acknowledging the somewhat narcissistic aspect. Observing others run and perform can be inspiring and contribute to personal progress.
Commenting on the development of social networks for running, Benoît Boutron highlights the supportive atmosphere around marathons where strangers cheer on participants, providing an incredible energy boost for everyday runners. The podcast “RMC Running” recorded live during the Paris Marathon featured insights from world champion Jimmy Gressier on the unique blend of celebrities and the general public in the sport.
Murphy, a sports coach, notes increasing impatience among people due to the pressure from applications and social networks, often driven by professional athlete models. This can lead to anxiety and unrealistic expectations, especially concerning progress and performance sharing online. Specialists caution against pushing too hard too quickly in training, as it can result in overexertion and injuries.
Ultimately, before showcasing achievements on social media, there is a sense of pride and emotional fulfillment in sports that drives athletes to strive for personal bests and experience the joy of physical activity.
