How TikTok is Driving the Running Trend

Running has never been more popular on social media than in recent years. Lifestyle platforms, particularly TikTok, have played a major role in this surge. With over 1.3 billion views on related content, running has truly become a phenomenon.

Compared to another popular activity on TikTok, hiking, running stands out with even stronger engagement. Videos featuring personal challenges, motivational messages, or tips for starting to run have amassed over 116 million likes—twice as many as those related to hiking:

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Nike, Garmin, and Brooks: The Most Mentioned Running Brands on TikTok 

Sportswear, shoes, and smartwatches are the preferred accessories for athletes on TikTok. Among the favourite brands, Nike, Garmin, Brooks, Asics, and Adidas make up the top five.

The Top 10 Most-mentioned Brands on TikTok

Ten major names in the world of sports stand out in TikTok posts about running:

 

  1. Nike
  2. Garmin
  3. Brooks
  4. Asics
  5. Adidas
  6. Hoka
  7. Saucony
  8. Puma
  9. New Balance
  10. Reebok
  11. Lululemon
  12. Salomon
  13. Decathlon
  14. Polar
  15. Suunto

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Marathon Training, Running Watch Features, and New Shoe Models: Content Focused on Users' Favourite Brands

Training sessions for races, the popularity of running watches, and the release of new shoe models are three trending types of posts about the mentioned brands on TikTok:

@abbyrleitner MARATHON TRAINING - week 11, day 6!! 16 miles guys!!! The most I've ever ran! So grateful my body is feeling better 🥹 and I was able to jump back on track with my plan!!!! (🙏🏼) #marathontraining #runtok #running #run #runner #runtokcommunity #runwithme #longrun #fyp @FP Movement @Runna @Nike @Brooks Running @goodr @Bare Performance Nutrition ♬ original sound - Abigail Leitner

 

@jonagraphs BRB, out jogging with your mom. #garmin #running #marathoner #yyc #fypage #comedy ♬ original sound - jonas

 

@victoriaparis @Brooks Running Ghost Max SE is a non negotiable for me when im packing #ghostmaxse #brookspartner ♬ original sound - Victoria Paris

 

 


Brands engaging with the popular running hashtags remain relatively low-key

Few major sports brands, whether specialised in running or not, have embraced the running trend on TikTok. Only a handful actively use hashtags like #running, #runtok, or #courseapied.

Among those that have taken the plunge, Red Bull and its subsidiaries, as well as Brooks, stand out. Posts from the footwear brand generate over 2.8 million views, showcasing their iconic shoes. Meanwhile, Red Bull shines by engaging its community of runners, particularly during the New Year season.

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Sports Influencers Take Centre Stage on TikTok

Alongside brands, several content creators are making a name for themselves in the running niche on TikTok. Among them are athletes, including Olympic medalists, who garner thousands of likes on the platform. Phrases such as "Olympic medalist," "Paralympic medalist," and "track athlete" feature prominently in the bios of the most influential creators. Other notable figures from YouTube and the influencer world, such as Stien Edlund (5.7 million followers) and Elz the Witch, also rank in the top 10:

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The Mission of TikTok Content Creators is to Inspire Their Communities

Race recaps, motivational messages, and humorous running videos are among the content shared by these personalities. Posts like "Thankful this year & every year" and "Running our first marathon together in May" are examples of the messages they share.

@alitruwit Thankful this year & every year for some really great brothers ❤️ #prosthetic #runningblade #adaptiveathlete #fyp #turkeytrot #thanksgiving #running #brother #outdoors  @A Step Ahead Prosthetics ♬ These Are the Moments - Tim Myers

 

@nadyaokamoto Running our first marathon together in May #sisters #marathontraining #runnergirl ♬ original sound - Nadya Okamoto

#Rungirl: Shining a Spotlight on Women’s Running on TikTok

Alongside hashtags like #distancerunner, #runnerthings, and #runtok, a new hashtag has emerged: #Rungirl. It brings together a community of women runners, amassing over 22.2 million views and 2.7 million likes.

Lululemon is the most mentioned brand under the hashtag #Rungirl.

In the content shared under the hashtag #Rungirl, one clothing brand stands out: Lululemon. Alongside it, Garmin and Brooks also make an impression within the female running community.

The brand's running collections have caught the attention of athletes on TikTok. Haul videos featuring Lululemon are increasingly popular, often accompanied by messages like "@lululemon plz release more bright colors I’m begging you."

@oliviassmith8 @lululemon plz release more bright colors I'm begging you🙏 #runner #running #runtok #lululemon #runnergirls #runnergirl ♬ original sound - Devante Latorre

 

@allyannao Replying to @lexiehall where all my winter running clothes, gear, and shoes are from!! amazon storefront is live!! #runtok #winterrunning #runnergirl #runfitcheck #lululemon #winterarc @lululemon @ASICS @DICKS Sporting Goods ♬ original sound - allyanna


The Vlog Format Also Applies to Running on TikTok

Running vlogs are gaining popularity on TikTok, placing the narrative of this activity at the heart of the content. These short videos immerse viewers in runners' routines: pre-run meals, preparation, miles covered, and achievements. Some vlogs accumulate millions of views, such as those featuring snow-covered runs or beginner sessions.

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The Most Popular Songs on TikTok for Running Content

Music plays a central role on TikTok, especially in running-related videos. Among the most popular tracks, motivational yet soothing songs dominate. "Vertigo," "Gangsta's Paradise," and "Running Wild" occupy the top three spots. One of the viral songs at the moment, "Messy" by Lola Young, ranks in the top 10 with 445,271 likes.

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