It’s a question we ask all our customers at Run-It. But the answer depends on who you talk to. Run-It supplies running shoes, clothing and accessories to athletes of all ages and abilities, so we are always interested in how they got started.

Health and Fitness

Most people get into running for health and fitness reasons. The government and the media have realised that the sedentary lifestyle we have led in the recent past has brought about chronic obesity, increased heart disease and a number of other physical complains and a range of psychological issues too.

No-one doubts that running will improve your overall health and fitness but also many runners will develop a sense of well-being as they feel and look better, improve their mobility and connect socially with more people. And Running is an excellent way to de-stress after a hard days work.

Social

Some runners do so to meet up with a friend or a group. It doesn’t require thrashing around a court or a plethora of technical equipment. Running can be done at any pace so you can chat along the way.

Several running groups exist in the Preston area organised by “Run In England” and the “Women’s Running Network” that are mainly social groups running to get fit and meet other people.

Charity

Many charities now include running and walking among their list of events to draw in donations. They are fantastic social events as well as working for a good cause. Many personal challenges have been met while running for a charity and the passion to complete the event is often driven by a personal experience with the charity concerned.

Competition

There are many committed athletes in Preston that run on roads, fells, trails and treadmills that enter races on a regular basis. Quite often they are not part of any organised group or club but are using the races as personal targets.

Run-It supplies “the Famous” Preston Harriers with its club kit, spiked track shoes and equipment to help our athletes, young and old, compete against similar clubs across the country. Red Rose Runners, Wesham Runners and many others compete locally and nationally in all manner of running races.

There is also an increase in interest in triathlons: swimming, running and cycling events. Several local clubs, such as Preston Triathlon Club and Fylde Tri Club, draw members from across the county. Preston Swimming Club members regularly compete in biathlons and duathlons: running and swimming.

Help the Environment

With money tight and the message about managing carbon emissions some people are taking to the roads on run for shorter journeys and for regular travel, such as to work and back, many are swapping the briefcase for a backpack and running.

Whatever the reason for running, we always recommend our customers plan their running, seek advice when needed and wear the right shoes.