People participate in sports for a wide variety of reasons, from the simple thrill of competition and achievement to the desire to improve their physical fitness, find stress relief, and find something to do outside of work.
Statistics Canada says 55% of Canadians over the age of 15 participate in some form of sport. The most common activities recorded included soccer, ice hockey, swimming, and running. Among all respondents, 27% said running was their favourite form of sport.
Running is a preferred sport for a good reason. It comes with a lot of physical benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and decreased risk of heart disease and stroke. But there are also the many mental health benefits associated with running, such as reduced anxiety and depression, better sleep, and improved cognitive function. This is especially relevant to professionals with busy schedules, as regular exercise can provide a stress outlet from long days of work.
Stephen Gleave from Hamilton, Ontario, is among those professionals who have benefited from the physical and mental benefits of running. Gleave works as a lawyer, but when he’s not at the office, he’s usually hitting the trails around his 100-acre homestead. He logs 30 to 40 miles per week.
“When I first started running, I found it to be very physically and mentally demanding,” says Gleave. “But as I continued to do it, it eventually got easier. My cardio improved, my joints loosened up, and I had more energy. I also noticed a change in my overall confidence and mental clarity. After finishing a run, I would feel satisfied knowing that I could handle anything else thrown at me during my workday. Now running has become a part of my daily routine, and I cannot imagine going without it.”
Gleave isn’t the only one experiencing these benefits. Canadians everywhere are discovering the transformative power of running. Unlike team sports, which often require a schedule and coordination with a team, running offers flexibility. Running can be done anywhere at any time, making it an ideal option for people with unpredictable routines or limited access to recreational facilities.
The accessibility of running is also helping break down barriers to fitness. For people who may not feel comfortable working out in a gym or live in rural areas without organized sports leagues, running provides an inclusive and cheap way to stay active. Community running clubs, park trails, and virtual races are also contributing to a growing culture of casual yet committed runners in Canada.
For Gleave, that sense of routine and freedom is what keeps him going. “I don’t need a gym membership or any expensive equipment, just a trail and a pair of running shoes,” he says. “Running is meditation to me. It gives me time to think, reflect, and reset. Doesn’t matter how stressful my day is, I always feel better afterward.” His experience echoes what millions of others have found: running can be physically grounding and mentally stimulating.
Aside from the physical and mental advantages, participation in sports is linked to increased social connection and community engagement. Many runners, like Gleave, find friendships and support in local running groups or charity races. These social connections can be vital in promoting accountability and motivation, as well as providing opportunities to give back to the community. Raising funds for a cause or sharing a morning jog with neighbours can be just as rewarding as the personal gains.
The benefits of sport apply to all age groups, too. While younger Canadians are more likely to participate in high-impact sports, older populations are becoming more interested in low-impact activities like walking, jogging, or yoga to stay healthy and fit. Health Canada recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week for adults. Many people find that including sports in their weekly routine is an effective way to meet Health Canada guidelines.
Workplaces are also starting to see the value in physical activity. Some companies have started to implement wellness programs that include incentives for employees who participate in fitness challenges or engage in regular physical activity. Research has shown that active employees often have fewer sick days, higher productivity, and better job satisfaction.
As more Canadians look to balance the demands of modern life with personal wellness, sports like running offer a practical and impactful solution. Running improves physical health, nurtures mental resilience, and creates a sense of purpose and routine.
For experienced athletes and beginners, the message is clear: incorporating sports into your life, whether through running, team sports, or individual pursuits, can lead to major improvements in overall health and happiness.
