A new survey finds that more than 19 million Americans run at least 100 days a year. — Picture courtesy of shutterstock.comMARYLAND, July 19 — Americans are running in record numbers, at least according to a new survey by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) released this week.

In addition, Americans are also purchasing more shoes and apparel despite an economic slump, and raising money for charity for road races in record amounts.

The SGMA reports that there are now more than 50 million Americans who run at least once a year and more than 19 million who do so at least 100 days a year.

Sales of running shoes reached US$2.46 billion (RM7.75 billion) in 2011, a six per cent increase over 2010. Units sold totalled 38.02 million.

The Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council’s annual study on charitable dollars shows that the top seven programs listed raised more than US$1 billion in 2011 on run/walk events alone cited Runner’s World. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life topped the list at US$415 million.

According to the most recent Sport England figures from the last four years, participation in athletics (including running and jogging) in the UK reached 1.8 million people jogging at least once a week for 30 minutes — and continues “a general upward trend in participation.” — AFP-Relaxnews