My 2026 running predictions

Things that I think will happen or continue to happen in the running world next year.

I think about running a lot. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had some ideas clanking around in my brain about how the running world could shape up in 2026. This is my brain dump on everything from getting dressed, to social media & digital wellbeing.

Prefacing this with the fact that the following content is based solely on vibes, not data. These are my personal takes and observations that I’ve developed as a result of being someone that spends a lot of time (1) running (2) consuming, creating and posting running content (3) chronically online (4) also working in marketing for consumer brands.

So yeah, take everything I say with a pinch of electrolytes.

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Running is a refuge from the Internet.

Awareness around poor digital hygiene and our problematic relationship to technology is increasing by the second. People are seeking more opportunities to unplug, and running will continue to be an outlet that forces people to just put one foot in front of the other.

Simply stated: you cannot scroll on your phone while running. Running is an activity that forces people to put their phone down. Not only do they get to escape from the Internet for a brief period of time, but they also get the benefits.

I see this as a reason that running will continue to grow in popularity in 2026. I’ve noticed a lot of speculation around when the “running bubble” will burst and my honest opinion is that it’s not (for now). It’s a FREE activity that people can do anywhere, with anyone, that makes them healthier and connects them to other people. In this day and age, that sounds like exactly what people need MORE of, not less.

“Healthy” dopamine & digital hygiene

In 2025, we saw the Dopamine Menu go viral. I think this is just the beginning of what will continue to be a conversation around how people are becoming more selective with their dopamine inputs. Running is of course notorious for creating a high that’s actually worth chasing.

I also think that people will more widely adopt and create specific routines around digital hygiene. A lot of these routines will include exercise as a means to “touching grass” and reconnecting with themselves before or after using screens.

Beauty brands are finally lacing up.

I’ve written on this a bit but I still stand by the fact that beauty brands have barely entered the chat. As someone that has worked in the beauty industry for over 5 years, I can see from both the inside and outside that there’s tons of opportunity for both consumers and brands to benefit from more involvement. Especially because there’s so much values overlap for both communities (specifically as it relates to identity and rituals).

I think this will look like:

• More brand sponsored niche/local events (ie. run clubs, store activations)

• More new product development & startups that address athlete specific pain points

• More product repositioning and key messaging/campaign assets that address runner specific audiences

Cross-training will be more widely integrated in running content.

I think running creators will be integrating more cross-training into their content. A lot of creator-led running content is so stale (looking at you run vlogs). Sorry but someone had to say it. I think that creators are going to explore integrating different types of movement (specifically: cycling, swimming and calisthenics) into their content routines to serve two purposes. One, it allows them to diversify their content types, and two it opens them up to more partnership opportunities.

Small side note that I also think the conversation around strength training (specifically for women) is going to get louder and more prevalent as well. And TG for that. I’ve been seeing more creators speak to weight-lifting as a means to combat the “return to 2012 tumblr thinness” that has been happening in culture. I think (and hope) that “strong” will be sexy in 2026.

More personal style in workout outfits.

Not groundbreaking, but a continuation of a trend we’ve already been seeing this year. I think that runners that are more “fashionable” dressers (ie. first to trending brands and constantly seeking or evolving in terms of fashion) will continue turning to (1) vintage pieces and (2) using more general wardrobe pieces to integrate more personal style and “no one else has it” vibes into their outfitting.

What this means: more Ebay, more vintage, more melding of the wardrobe overall. Less lines between what is or isn’t activewear. Oh and less synthetics, which leads me to…

MORE COTTON!

Not sure if it’s just my FYP (which could be entirely possible) but people are really over plastic clothing. I think there’s such a big opportunity for a breakthrough organic cotton athletic wear brand to come to market with some timeless pieces at an accessible price. Key word accessible. People don’t want to pay for plastic, but they also still don’t really want to pay for sustainability. Catch 22 for sure.

Race season bringing “festival” energy.

We’ve also seen this developing already but thought it was worth mentioning. The look and feel of race season is going to keep inching closer to the feel of a week-long festival versus a single day event.

Brands are already scrambling to lock in ‘26 activations and plan for ‘27. I think that for some brands, this can be seen as a strategic awareness investment akin to Coachella.

I’m not sure if it’ll happen this year but I also think the marathon influencer gifting suite really isn’t that far away because it’s an easy low-lift way for brands to participate in the event without pulling a crazy investment in the moment (versus an IRL pop up for example). I also think we’ll see more brands find ways to partner together on shared spaces. I think it’s a budget thing but I’d like to see more actual “world building” a la Bandit, rather than just stuffing a bunch of brands in a single space and calling it a day. The opportunity is there!

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What are you all seeing from your side? What do you think is going to change or stay the same in the 2026 running world?

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As always, thank you so much for reading and I’m so grateful you’re here. If you enjoyed this post, send to a friend! New letters every Wednesday.

Until then, you can find me on Strava, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Join my Hudson Valley RUN CLUB! Our final run club of 2025 will be on 12/27. Shop my favorites here and here. For collaborations, partnerships or to work together, send me a note at kristinearocho@gmail.com.

And since you made it this far, enjoy an Otis photo below. See you next week!

strike a pose!