Where Is Running Making Strides?

Like all exercise, running offers significant physical and mental health benefits, such as enhanced cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal strength, enhanced bone density and a lowered risk of certain diseases like diabetes. Running can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing neurotransmitters that regulate mood. However, as our infographic shows, running's popularity varies significantly from one country to the next.

According to a recent Statista survey conducted between January and December 2025, almost a quarter (24 percent) of respondents in Mexico go jogging at least occasionally. They were 19 percent in China and Spain, and 18 percent in Brazil. Running was comparatively much less popular in the U.S., where less than one in ten respondents (8 percent) said they jogged at least occasionally.