Celebrated on June 3, World Running Day marks a date that reflects an increasingly evident phenomenon in Brazil. Data from the Brazilian Association of Street Race and Outdoor Sports Organizers (ABRACEO) show that the number of official street races held in the country grew by 85% in 2025, jumping from 2,827 to 5,241 events.

The survey highlights a continuous growth trend in the sector, which had already registered an increase of 45% in 2024. In 2026, the expectation is for a growth of 15%, demonstrating the consolidation of running as a habit increasingly present in the routine of Brazilians. According to data from Ticket Sports, in 2025 alone, 11,706 sporting events were held in the country, with street races representing 89.8% of this total.

Benefits of running for physical health

Dr. Gabriel Miura, sports doctor and professor at Afya Educação Médica Belo Horizonte, comments that running is one of the most democratic aerobic modalities for promoting health. The increase in the popularity of the sport is directly linked to the numerous benefits that regular practice provides for health.

“Among them, the conditioning of the cardiovascular system stands out, with an increase in maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and greater cardiorespiratory efficiency, a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary disease and stroke, and an improvement in metabolic control, with an increase in insulin sensitivity and a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus”, he explains.

Regular practice also helps control body weight, due to high energy expenditure and improved body composition. Furthermore, it contributes to increasing bone mineral density, helping to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis. “Other benefits include improved functional capacity, the systemic anti-inflammatory effect associated with physical activity regular and improved sleep quality, stress control and physical disposition”, adds the doctor.

Social and mental benefits

In addition to the physical benefits, running has also been associated with strengthening social bonds. Running groups and sporting events have become spaces for coexistence and collective motivation, making the practice more accessible and stimulating for beginners and experts.

“Participation in running groups and sporting events can increase adherence to exercise in the long term, stimulate motivation and discipline. From a neurobiological point of view, regular physical activity is associated with increased release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, related to the feeling of well-being and reward. Therefore, street running is today considered not only a tool to promote health physical healthbut also an important strategy for improving mental health, quality of life and social interaction”, adds the specialist.

Main injury risks

The accelerated growth of the sport raises awareness about the necessary care for musculoskeletal health. A study published in 2025 in the Brazilian Journal of Prescription and Exercise Physiology identified a 46.5% prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among street runners.

The research showed a significant association between injuries and running for more than a year, in addition to performing static stretching before training. The most frequent occurrences were shin splints (35%), sprains (25%) and muscle strains (20%), mainly affecting regions such as the calf, tibia, ankle, foot and thigh.

According to Dr. Gabriel Miura, most running-related injuries occur due to repetitive mechanical overload, and not due to trauma acute. Among the most frequent injuries are patellofemoral pain, characterized by pain in the anterior region of the knee, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendon tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, gluteal and patellar tendon tendinopathies, medial tibial periostitis (shin splints), stress fractures, mainly in the tibia, metatarsals and femoral neck, in addition to muscle injuries that affect more frequently the calves, hamstrings and quadriceps.

Care before and during sports

The study “Running injuries. A review of the epidemiological literature“, available at the United States National Library of Medicine, revealed that approximately half of amateur runners suffer at least one injury per year that can temporarily interrupt their sports practice.

The doctor emphasizes that, before starting a running program, an evaluation is recommended to identify cardiovascular risk factors or pre-existing diseases. A physical assessment is also important to detect muscular limitations, mobility deficits and biomechanical imbalances. The start of training should be gradual, alternating between walking and running.

“The choice of footwear suited to the type of corridor and terrain is relevant, as is attention to recovery, hydration and nutrition. Strength training is one of the pillars of runner’s preparation, as it improves load absorption, reduces the risk of injuries, increases joint stability, muscular endurance and performance. The main muscle groups include glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and core, with a recommendation of 2 to 3 weekly sessions”, says the Afya teacher.

Furthermore, according to Dr. Gabriel Miura, injury prevention involves gradual progression of load, muscle strengthening and maintaining an adequate sleep routine. It also depends on a diet compatible with sports, controlling the weekly volume of exercise and paying attention to the body’s signals, such as persistent pain and excess fatigue.

By Matheus Garcia