Hair slicked back with a perfect bow. A matching top and shorts, paired with fluorescent trainers and calf-high socks pulled just right. A hefty watch fastened firmly to the wrist. No, this isn’t a high-fashion photoshoot — it’s the start line of a half-marathon. More than ever, running has become synonymous with style. Gone are the days of unflattering sportswear and fears of sweating in public — the start line now doubles as a runway, with brands often prioritising aesthetic over speed.
Over the past five years, running’s near-global surge in popularity has been reshaping perceptions of the sport. According to the Running Industry Alliance’s Rewind24 Report, 2024 saw a thirty-nine per cent increase in participation, with the boom in running mainly being fuelled by Gen Z. It is no surprise, then, that what was once reserved for elite athletes has become a form of expression, with outfits to match for every mood and mile.
Attend any organised race, and it’s impossible to miss the array of activewear and the creative ways runners choose to style it. Brightly coloured, spongy shoes among floating shorts and a pair of polarised visor sunglasses are popular staples for many fashion-conscious joggers. Add a big hair scrunchie and your favourite patterned leggings, and you’ll slot right in. But start-line style is not a fleeting trend — it’s become a defining part of the running experience.
Once seen as the preserve of the fast and athletic, running has been reimagined as a space for self-expression, where fashion on a 5k has helped open the sport to wider and more diverse audiences. Running influencers have played a key role in this shift, showing that it’s not only possible but fun to get creative with your outfit while chasing the clock. Now, lacing up on the start line is not just about getting a PB. It’s also about the confidence that comes from feeling your best, whether that’s in a pair of sleek shorts or a perfectly fitting top.
No brand has led the running style revolution quite like New Balance. At any race, it takes only a glance to spot their unmistakable trainers bounce by — cult favourites that have earned their status for good reason. Having launched two new running models this year, the FuelCell Rebel v5 and the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, their technology and design mean the shoes are the best of both innovation and fashion.
Seamlessly combining science with style, Chris Morfesi, Senior Global Product Manager, Performance Running at New Balance, says these models “are built to make runners feel faster on everyday runs and on race day”. While the Rebel v5 is crafted to look and feel fast, Morfesi explains the SuperComp Elit v5 is “built with a carbon fibre plate and PEBAX-based FuelCell foam” to deliver maximum propulsion for PB chasers on race day. And though both shoes are carefully designed to support runners at the highest level, Morfesi says, “they are also designed with bold, modern aesthetics that help athletes feel confident and fast the moment they lace up”.
As the running market continues to grow, New Balance recognises the need to keep pace with an increasingly style-conscious audience. “Running culture has evolved beyond the racecourse — it’s become a lifestyle,” says the brand. With the global athleisure market projected to reach an eye-watering $425.07 billion in 2025, you no longer need to call yourself a ‘runner’ to embrace sportswear. In fact, confidence in clothes can encourage newcomers to get involved with the sport. “There are absolutely some synergies between fashion and activewear that can inspire those new to running to hit the roads,” says New Balance.
It’s this inclusivity that has helped running soar in popularity. While gym memberships can be costly (not to mention intimidating) and other sports often require specialised equipment, running is free and accessible to all. The only essential item is a decent pair of runners. Choose a pair in your favourite colour, and you might feel that extra boost from feeling good in your running kit. “At New Balance, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate both sides — the athletic pursuit of fitness and the chance for runners to express their individual style,” the brand explains. This duality has transformed the running community, where performance and personal expression can coexist.
It’s something that was clear as ever at The Big Half last weekend. With New Balance acting as a leading sponsor, plenty of runners counted on their outfits to carry them straight from the finish line to the pub afterwards. While speed, of course, still has its place, the combination of sport and style is helping running grow exponentially, inspiring more and more people to catch the running bug. Whether it’s the community spirit of a big race, the thrill of a new personal best, or simply feeling confident in your running kit, running today is more than pace or mileage. Moving, feeling strong, and looking great while doing it have become the most compelling reasons to lace up and get involved.
- WriterKatie Inglis
- Image CreditsNew Balance
