Generales

By Johansson Cruz Lopera, Journalist at UdeA Communications Office 

Running or jogging, especially in short races, has grown significantly in popularity over recent decades. Many now see it as a trend, attracting athletes and enthusiasts—some for its physical and mental benefits, others for the social connections it fosters. However, as more people take up the sport, more athletes experience injuries. This rise stems partly from the misconception that running is merely about moving one foot after another. In reality, professional guidance and preventive care play a crucial role. 

T In recent years, the Medellín Half Marathon has attracted more participants, leading to more injuries at the end of each event. Photo courtesy of the Medellín Half Marathon 

*This content is from the Alma Mater newspaper, edition 743. 
Searching for #running on Instagram will instantly bring up 97.1 million posts from around the world, featuring cities like Barcelona, Dubai, New York, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, the Salt Pans (Botswana), Durban (South Africa), Medellín, Bogotá, and many more. “Running is so widespread now that if we lift a rock, a runner will pop out,” said Gildardo Díaz Cardona, professor at the University Institute of Physical Education and Sport at the Universidad de Antioquia and coordinator of Prosa, a health program for adults promoted by the University Welfare Directorate. 

Although it may sound unusual, this statement clearly reflects a global trend that has been growing steadily for over a decade. “We don’t just talk about running anymore; we talk about running, for instance,” said Pedro Amariles Muñoz, professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences at UdeA, competitive runner, and organizer of several athletic races at the university. 

“Running clubs offer people a chance to connect, and that’s one of their key benefits. The marketing side is also powerful: sneakers, socks, caps, uniforms, and more. Commercial forces contribute to the sport’s growing popularity,” said Amariles Muñoz. Influencers and sports brands have expertly leveraged this trend, using aspirational and accessible content to promote the practice. 

The growing popularity of this sport among people of all ages seems to result from several key factors. First, the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle has led many to embrace accessible and successful activities like running. Additionally, the sense of personal achievement that comes from completing a race or improving times acts as a strong motivator. For others, running provides an escape from daily stress and helps them reconnect with the natural world—an increasingly important aspect of life in today’s digital age. 

Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been instrumental in popularizing running races, especially in particular trending formats (see box). Runners use these platforms—and specialized ones like Strava—to share their achievements, routes, times, and challenges. This year, a notable trend is the rise of running groups, which have gained popularity as “the new Tinder”—a healthy way to connect with potential partners. Hashtags such as #RunningCommunity and #CorrerEsVida have brought inspiring stories into the spotlight, while viral challenges like running 5 kilometers a day for a month turn the activity into an engaging and shareable experience. 

“Being a runner also means embracing the chance to meet new people and explore different places. For instance, this sport has allowed individuals to feel part of a greater cause—whether by running a race to support breast cancer research or raising funds for underprivileged children. This sense of purpose has played a key role in attracting more participants,” said Professor Amariles. 

Health Benefits. Watch Out for Injuries! 

Engaging in sports brings significant health benefits. Professor Gildardo Díaz from the University Institute of Physical Education and Sport explains that jogging enhances aerobic and cardiopulmonary endurance, benefiting the heart, lungs, and muscles. Regular practice improves cardiorespiratory fitness, increasing the body’s maximum oxygen intake. 

It also provides valuable psychological benefits. “Wellness—a personal commitment to achieving a balanced, healthy state in various aspects of life—helps regulate the nervous system, promoting calmness, focus, and better decision-making,” said Gildardo. 

In recent years, the rising prevalence of sedentary-related diseases like obesity and diabetes has underscored the importance of staying active. Running not only improves physical health but also helps reduce stress and anxiety. Public health campaigns and private initiatives have further strengthened this awareness. 

There’s always a “but,” and in this case, it’s the need for prevention. Jogging is beneficial, but doing it with conciseness is essential. According to the Medellín Marathon organizers, who marked the event’s 30th anniversary this year, the 2024 edition saw a notable increase in medical assistance during long-distance races, especially the half marathon (21K) and full marathon (42K). 

Throughout the year, the Universidad de Antioquia offers several courses and sports programs across different academic units. Photo courtesy of Facebook UdeA Athletics 

“Every year, the number of people we need to care for in these races grows. This year, we had 321 participants, which is a significant number,” said Sandra Díaz, the medical director of the event and a sports scientist from UdeA, indicated on her Instagram profile. She stressed the importance of proper preparation and responsibility when registering for races, ensuring participants are ready for their chosen distances. 

Gildardo Díaz stressed that anyone looking to take up running should first undergo a medical-sports evaluation and always train under the supervision of a qualified expert. “The popularity of running has led many inexperienced individuals to engage in high-intensity training, often causing injuries. These include joint stress from repetitive motion, as well as conditions like tendinosis, plantar fasciitis, lower back pain, and tibial periostitis, particularly in people who are overweight or have improper running techniques,” he explained. 

“You must follow a proper diet and hydration plan, warm up appropriately for the activity, and include strength training targeting the lower limbs and the middle kinetic chain—the group of joints in the musculoskeletal system that function together as a unit—to ensure these structures receive adequate support for the demands of running,” concluded Gildardo Díaz, professor at the University Institute of Physical Education and Sport. Finally, all experts agree that wearing the right gear—especially footwear—is crucial, as it supports the body during training and races. 

Types of Races 

Running offers a variety of race types, each with distinct characteristics and challenges that cater to different profiles of runners: 

Urban or recreational races: 

Examples: 5 K, 10 K, themed races as color or night runs. 

Characteristic: Tailored for all skill levels, these races are ideal for beginners and often focus more on enjoyment and social engagement than competition. 

Middle distance races: 

Examples: 800 m and 1500 m standard events in competitive athletics. 

Characteristic: These races require both speed and endurance, offering a challenging experience that is shorter in duration than long-distance races. They are ideal for those seeking an intense but manageable challenge. 

Sprint races:  

Examples: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m. 

Characteristic: These races focus on achieving maximum speed in the shortest time. They demand precise technique, considerable muscular strength, and exceptional explosive power. 

Obstacle course races: 

Examples: 3000 m steeplechase, Spartan Race, Tough Mudder. 

Characteristic: These races combine running with physical challenges, requiring participants to navigate obstacles like fences, mud pits, and water ditches. 

Trail or mountain races: 

Examples: Trail races and mountain ultramarathons, such as the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). 

Characteristic: These races take place on rugged natural terrain, frequently involving steep climbs, descents, and unpredictable weather conditions. They demand skill in navigating technical terrain and call for exceptional endurance. 

Long distance races:  

Examples: Marathon (42 km), half-marathon (21 km), ultramarathons (distances over 42 km). 

Characteristic: They require physical and mental endurance over several hours. Training involves long sessions focusing on energy and hydration management.