Running and walking, Minnesotans measure up with Strava 2025 fitness trends

Minnesotans helped drive worldwide recreation trends this year, most notably stacking up the miles on runs and walks.

In 2025, running was the dominant activity, walking increased and evidence suggests Gen Z’s increased interest influenced both, according to a year-end analysis of data by Strava, a fitness-tracking app used by 180 million people.

Strava’s report was thin on details, but Twin Cities walkers merited a highlight: Minneapolis and St. Paul stood out for their speed. Combined, they ranked as the third-fastest U.S. city, with walkers hitting 19 minutes, 34 seconds per mile. Birmingham, Ala., (19:31) and Grand Rapids, Mich., walkers (19:32) were No. 1 and 2 in the U.S., respectively.

Between user data and surveys, Strava also had insights on other activities, such as cycling and winter sports, and key motivators to getting active. The report analyzed activity between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 30, 2025. Here are some key findings and how they are playing out in Minnesota:

More Strava users of every generation ran in races than in years past. Gen Zers (born between 1997 and 2012) were especially represented, increasing their participation in distances from 5 kilometers on up to the marathon of 26.2 miles. The biggest increase was in 10Ks.

The organizers at Twin Cities in Motion (TCM), which puts on the Twin Cities Marathon and other major Minnesota races, said the trend matches what they have been seeing at start lines. Gen Zers increasingly are lacing up at TCM events, an uptick that goes back further than 2024.

Gen Zers made up 18% of TCM fields across five events in 2025, including marathon weekend. In 2019, Gen Z accounted for 7%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gen Z represents 11% of the total population, or about one in five Americans.

Orton said his organization used the opportunity to change events and programs to appeal to more age groups and demographics. The group started a program that allows children 18 and younger to run free at any TCM event. About 2,000 youngsters in the TC Kids Run Free program ran in the Turkey Day 5-kilometer race last month in Minneapolis, Orton said.

“We still love the six-minute and seven-minute milers, but we can inspire all abilities more to get active,” he said.

Walking was the second most popular activity, ahead of cycling, hiking, weight training and recorded “workouts,” Strava reported.

The St. Paul Hiking Club is long ahead of the walking curve, but welcomed the recognition of its core activity, said membership director Rose Nelson.

The club, about 80 members-strong, is more than 100 years old and will have knocked out as many as 100 organized walks by the end of the year. The club meets twice weekly around the metro. There is a 3-mile walk Tuesday; 5 on Sundays.

Orton, at TCM, was unsurprised by the activity’s popularity.

TCM will elevate walking within its events in 2026, he added, incorporating details like corrals and special start times exclusively for a group that traditionally has considered itself back of the pack.

“We want to be more clear about how important walking is,” he added. “It is equally important to us if that is how you choose to pace.”

The social side of recreation for young people is increasingly important, too. Nearly 40% more Gen Zers than Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1980) say they use fitness to meet people with shared interests. They’re also using fitness as relief from the stressors of life, Strava reports.

Organized events, alongside clubs, grew on Strava this year compared to last. Hiking clubs increased the most, followed by running and cycling.

Mill City also has a racing team and a fee-based training program. The group runs are free to all.

“Now we are seeing a tide shift. … A new generation is coming in and we are seeing the knowledge passed down [from longtime runners],” she added. Mill City Running opened in 2012.

Added Orton: “People are looking for ways to connect and find common grounds. Running appears to be a good space.”

While popular in their own right, some winter sports and types of cycling had their challenges, based on surveys of Strava users and nonusers.

Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and gravel cycling are considered the most-intimidating activities.

A manager whose metro parks cater heavily to skiers (both downhill and Nordic), snowboarders and mountain bikers said he understands the sentiment because the sports are more expensive. Still, the district works hard on education, said Luke Skinner, Three Rivers Park District associated superintendent. Its calendar is full again this winter with downhill, Nordic ski and snowboarding lessons for adult and youth beginners.