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Gen Z is following Millennials’ lead and looking to marathons for a sense of control. 

Nov 10 2025

Gen Z is following Millennials’ lead and looking to marathons for a sense of control. Last year, headlines were circulating that marathon running is the new mid-life crisis for Millennials, as buying a sports car or a traipse in another country isn’t in their budget. And the trend has shifted even younger: more than 12K Gen Z registered for the 2024 NYC Marathon, as social media has made couch-to-26.2 feel doable. Therapists say a full marathon offers a big, controllable goal that anxious young adults can track for a measurable plan and feeling of achievement. But, of course, optics matter too, so posting things like Strava screenshots have become social media proof of success at a challenge. (SELF)

👀 Read more from YPulse: Gen Z’s Top 10 Biggest Hobbies Right Now

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