Running a marathon is the new quarter-life milestone. On TikTok and Instagram, twenty-somethings are sharing their running experiences and displaying fashionable gear as they train for the commonly labeled “quarter-life crisis marathon.” In 2019, only 15% of New York City Marathon finishers were in their twenties, a number that rose to 19% by 2023. And in LA, 28% of this year’s marathon runners were in their twenties, +7pts more than in 2019. For young adults, marathons have become a coping mechanism to navigate the uncertainties of their future. Even though the challenge is demanding and will not magically solve all their issues, it makes them feel empowered to work towards the completion. (The Atlantic)
📊 YPulse data: 10% of 18-39-year-olds have participated in running/marathons within the last year
