
As running continues to grow in popularity, with events such as the London Marathon reaching a record number of sign-ups for 2025, the team at KUDOS Run has unveiled the UK’s most dedicated running communities.
Using Google search data on running clubs and routes, alongside Strava insights, KUDOS Run identified the areas across the UK with the most enthusiastic runners. It makes for some interesting reading and bragging rights among the regions.
Rank | Location | Population | Searches for Running Routes per 10,000 People | Searches for Running Clubs per 10,000 People | Number of Running Groups per 10,000 People | Number of Running Routes per 10,000 People | Ranking/10 |
1 | Durham | 50,510 | 115 | 242 | 6.3 | 10.3 | 9.67 |
2 | Chester | 92,742 | 52 | 280 | 2.5 | 9.4 | 9.30 |
3 | Winchester | 127,500 | 35 | 389 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 8.48 |
4 | Salisbury | 41,877 | 69 | 272 | 1.2 | 3.8 | 8.32 |
5 | Exeter | 134,939 | 72 | 228 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 7.83 |
5 | Lincoln | 103,813 | 37 | 153 | 1.1 | 6.9 | 7.83 |
7 | Manchester | 395,515 | 76 | 354 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 7.61 |
8 | Oxford | 162,100 | 124 | 209 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 7.50 |
9 | Norwich | 143,135 | 48 | 189 | 0.7 | 4.1 | 7.18 |
10 | St Albans | 148,200 | 26 | 118 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 7.12 |
Durham has been crowned the city with the keenest runners in the UK, with a rating of 9.67/10. The city sees over 115 searches for running routes per 10,000 residents each year and is home to around 6 running groups per 10,000 people. There are a number of running clubs in Durham including the East Durham Running Club and the Riverside Striders, as well as some impressive running trails like the Houghall Circular and the Riverside Trail.
In second place is Chester, with a running score of 9.30 out of 10. Chester boasts the second-highest number of running routes per 10,000 people, with these routes racking up 52 Google searches per 10,000 people. With impressive parks like Grosvenor Park and Lime Wood Fields, it is no surprise the northwestern city is home to some of the UK’s keenest runners.
In third place is Winchester with a score of 8.48. Winchester has the highest number of people searching for running clubs, with 389 Google searches per 10,000 residents. Those looking to get into running can join clubs such as the Winchester Running Club or Winchester Get Running.
Georgina Eastabrook, from KUDOS Run at GO Outdoors, said: “Any form of physical exercise is good for both your mental and physical health. When you run, your body produces endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that improve your mood.”
“Going on a run does not always mean running a 4-minute mile, or breaking records. A slow jog, or intermittent running, can be enough to boost your mood. Running can also be very sociable, and joining a running group can help you to meet like-minded people, who may become lifelong friends.”
Grab your next pair of running shoes, clothing and tech, now at KUDOS Run.