Mass sport, the new lifestyle! Nearly half of the Romanians participating in sports competitions do it for their health
Running, cycling and triathlon are no longer just sports, but true lifestyles for thousands of Romanians. According to the latest Endurance Ro-Index survey, mass sports competitions have become a social phenomenon, with an impact on both health and economy.
For many participants, sports competitions are not temporary “islands”, events that occupy 2-3 hours in their calendar, but frequently involves a training program, a moving discipline, in nutrition, sleep or even medical analyzes.
Why Romanians participate in sports competitions
For 61% of participants, endurance sport is a lifestyle choice, and health is the main reason for almost half (46%). The atmosphere at events and the community created around these competitions are other elements that motivate the competitors.
Although considered individual sports, running, cycling and triathlon bring people together: 49% of participants registered with friends, 22% with their life partner and 17% with children. Only 33% came to alone events.
It is also worth noting the age segment interested in such events. According to the survey, about 4 out of 10 participants are between 35 and 44 years old.
Running stays in the first place
In 2024, the running attracted 80.5% of the respondents, being by far the sport with the highest participation. Cycling competitions attracted 25% of the athletes, and the 7% triathlon.
Half of the runners started at at least 5 competitions in a single year. Among the running competitors, the road competitions attracted 86%, the mountain (trail) ones, and 45%combined the roads with the mountain ones. In addition, almost one in five also participated in international events.
The situation is similar for cyclists: 43% participated in at least 5 events, but most chose mountain bike (79%), road events being preferred by 49% of participants.
In the case of triathlonists, the Olympic (45%) and sprint (39%) samples were the most popular. In the Ironman type competitions, almost 12% of the research participants competed, 18% opting for competitions abroad.
Communities and sports influencers
There are no lack of inspiration either: runners and cyclists follow both local influences and international communities.
Alex Corneschi is the most watched “Influencer persona” in the online environment, for tips on training, equipment or competitions, and Runners Club is the most appreciated local community. Globally, the Global Cycling Network platform has become a landmark for cycling lovers, here in Romania.
“The fact that I am nominated as the most watched influencer person in the online environment on sports in Romania is not only a personal recognition, but a proof of the power of the community that Sport creates. For me, running and sport in general are not only performance, but a way of living, learning and inspiring.
I strongly believe that every kilometer, every race and each workout brings us closer not only to our goals, but also to each other. Sport means more than results – it means discipline, health, friends and stories that remain with us forever, “said Alex Corneschi.
Investment in passion
Participation in competitions also involves a financial effort. Almost half of the runners (47%) spent in 2024 between 200 and 1,000 lei per participation fees for these events. About 20% paid below 200 lei and about 20% accumulated total amounts between 1,000 and 2,000 lei.
For most (87%), these costs were borne from their own pocket, a small percentage benefiting from a company (9%) or a club (1%).
*Endurance ro-index It is based on a survey conducted on the competitors who participated in the previous year in running, cycling or triathlon competitions. The 2025 edition evaluated the amateur events of 2024.
The survey was conducted online on 1,110 respondents over 15 years, with the support of sports event organizers, partners in this approach.
Article supported by Endurance Ro-Index
