Although not all runners may compete, entering a race or run in a particular event is a major motivation to continue practicing the sport. In the United States, more than 70 percent of core runners – that is, active adult participants who tend to enter running events and train all year round – felt that it is easy to find an event that they want to participate in. About 60 percent stated that they would participate in more events if the entry fees were lower. More than 30 thousand running events and train all year round – felt that it is easy to find an event that they want to participate in. About 60 percent stated that they would participate in more events if the entry fees were lower. More than 30 thousand running events take place in the United States every year, including 5k, 10k and 8K/5 mile races as well as half-marathons and marathons.

The World Marathon Majors is composed of six races hosted in six different cities; three of them are located in the U.S. – Boston, Chicago and New York City. In 2016, the TCS New York City Marathon was the biggest marathon in the U.S. with more than 51 thousand finishers. The Chicago Marathon ranked second in number of finishers, and the Boston Marathon third. Major marathons also attract many spectators and viewers. In 2019, people from almost 3.3 million households are projected to attended a marathon event in the United States.

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