Second Wind: KFU Associate Professor Explained Millennials' Passion for Running

      It is said that depression cannot hit a moving target.

      World Health Day is celebrated today, April 7. Over the past few years, the percentage of runners aged 30-40 has noticeably increased. Why millennials are actively switching to sneakers and what lies behind this trend was answered at Kazan Federal University. Interestingly, those who preferred to skip physical education classes in school are also taking to the track. An expert opinion on this matter was shared by Viktor Sidorov, an associate professor of the Department of Political Science at the Institute of Social and Philosophical Sciences and Mass Communications of KFU, and a marathon runner. "It seems to me that, of course, the trend towards a healthy lifestyle has influenced this, the realization that health has truly become a mass value for Russians. In the modern world, a person pays more attention to their well-being," he suggested. During running, all muscle groups are engaged. Thus, cortisol—the stress hormone—is released, which means one can relax. In addition, the expert says, regular jogging strengthens the cardiovascular system. "It is also proven that physical activity, such as running, lowers blood pressure, which is often caused not even by physiological but by psychological reasons. And this is a great way to improve one's health and, as they say, burn off negativity. There is a saying: 'Depression cannot hit a moving target,'" Sidorov noted. Another advantage is that running wins over many sports because it requires minimal investment. "It is not so costly in terms of financial investments. That is, it is enough to buy sneakers, a simple sports outfit, and, in principle, one can run. Of course, companies produce more expensive models, but overall, people have the mindset that running is accessible," explains the associate professor of political science. According to V. Sidorov, it is also important that engaging in athletics makes a person healthier, more attractive, and slimmer, contributing to an increase in their self-esteem. The expert is convinced that this is exactly what a person needs in middle age. For all these reasons, running has become particularly popular among millennials or Generation Y. Running positively affects the health of the nation, believes the political scientist from KFU. "Recent studies and statistics show that in Russia, people have started consuming less alcohol, and the number of smokers is decreasing. Moreover, the values of health are projected onto the popularity of running. And, of course, fashion—how could we do without it? Infrastructure is emerging, running clubs are forming, and it is simply becoming contagious," Viktor Sidorov believes. "I ran the Moscow Marathon, 42.2 kilometers, because people in my circle started running, and I wanted to show that I could do it too. I have been involved in sports all my life, though in team sports, but this is such a cool trend! There is a very strong community in running, and communication is valuable, it is truly a treasure. It fulfills many needs for self-realization, approval, communication, and so on. That is why running is popular. And that’s great. Citizens of Russia are becoming healthier."

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      Author: Alisa Gainutdinova, Department of Information Policy of KFU, photo by the author

      Source: KFU

      07.04.2026 11:01

      More news on the event:

      Why millennials have taken up running en masse was answered by a KFU expert. The number of runners aged 30 to 40 has noticeably increased in recent years. 12:44 07.04.2026 Tatarstan-New Century TV - Kazan

      Second wind: KFU associate professor explained the passion for running among millennials. It is said that depression cannot hit a moving target. World Health Day is celebrated today, April 7. 11:01 07.04.2026 KFU - Kazan