Mexico is a world leader in running popularity, with 1 in 4 participating

May 6, 2026

CDMX half marathon — Mexico's slate of major marathons in the capital and other urban areas attracts tens of thousands of runners. But it's the everyday casual runners — a quarter of the population, according to a recent survey — that make Mexico a world leader in running popularity. (Cuartoscuro)

Mexico isn’t known as a country of runners, but perhaps it should be.

A recent survey from Statista Consumer Insights 2025 places Mexico as a global leader in running popularity with 24% of respondents stating that they at least occasionally go for a run or jog.

Rarámuri running — Any discussion of running’s popularity in Mexico must include the Rarámuri people of the Tarahumara Mountains in Chihuahua, for whom running is a way of life. (Ultra Caballo Blanco/Facebook)

The poll asked Mexicans about their favorite sports activities, and running came in at the very top. Surfing, more associated with Mexico among a certain segment of the U.S. population, ended up at the other end of the ranking, right down there with flying kites.

Globally, Mexico topped such countries as China and Spain, both with 19% of respondents saying they occasionally go for a run, followed by Brazil (18%) and Germany (17%).

The United States (8%) and Japan (6%) reported the lowest levels, indicating that economic development does not influence the popularity of running.

One segment of the Mexican population that enjoys fame as runners is the Indigenous Tarahumara people, who run long distances regularly with minimal foot protection. Their name in their own language, Rarámurí, means “people who run.”

Running is one of the most accessible physical activities, as it requires neither specialized facilities nor large investments, making it an accessible option for broad segments of the population.

Furthermore, in urban settings, it is a practical way to incorporate exercise into a daily routine.

Mexico’s high level of running popularity becomes more impressive when taking into account the findings of an earlier poll. In 2024, Statista revealed that 43% of Mexican respondents occasionally ran or jogged.

Mexico’s lead in running also reveals its potential as a strategic market for sporting brands specializing in running gear and clothing.

Dozens of marathons, half-marathons and other races are organized across Mexico each year. From thematic holiday races to traditional marathons, some of the most popular races each year include the Mexico City Marathon, the Mexico City Half Marathon, and the marathons of Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancún, Baja California and Mazatlán.

With reports from El Economista, Abitu and Crónica