Who is considered a runner?

A runner is generally considered to be anyone who laces up their running shoes, steps out the door, and moves at a pace faster than a walk. This inclusive definition emphasizes that it doesn't matter how fast or far you run, or whether you've completed marathons or just enjoy a casual jog. As Katy Sherratt and Jason Fitzgerald discuss, running is about personal milestones and enjoyment rather than meeting specific standards or distances 1 2.

If you run consistently and identify with the activity, you are a runner, regardless of speed or distance. This perspective reinforces that the love for the sport and personal commitment are what truly define a runner 2.