Why running with other people makes you a faster, stronger runner

Running and racing back together.

Credit: Andy Waterman

Strong Women


Why running with other people makes you a faster, stronger runner

By Laura Markwardt

4 years ago

With parkrun finally returning, one writer reflects on the rewards of reconnecting with yourself and your community through running and racing. 

It’s a strange paradox that we often seek solace in exercising alone when in fact, we’re more likely to reach our full potential in a group.

We know that running in groups can make us faster, fitter and stronger runners. Known in psychology as the Köhler Effect, researchers at Kansas State University found that people who exercised with someone they thought was better than them increased their workout intensity by as much as 200%. Imagine what racing with 200 people can do to your effort capacity!

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