Runners’ 2026 resolutions, between seriousness and humor

January often goes hand in hand with the traditional New Year’s resolutions. New year, fresh start, many runners are looking to put 2026 under the banner of running. Sometimes dismissed, sometimes embraced as a source of motivation, these short promises often help introduce new habits into a routine.

Signing up for a legendary race, fine tuning nutrition and sleep, stretching more consistently or stacking up personal bests, runners are never short on ideas when it comes to becoming the best version of themselves on the roads and trails. The real question is, who will manage to stick to those resolutions all year long? In the meantime, Marathons.com has gathered a few of them to give you a boost of motivation.

| Strengthening the body, runners’ top priority

“Do more strength training and approach it seriously to prevent injuries,” “Add specific, targeted strength work on a regular basis.” If there is one recurring answer, it is physical preparation. Often overlooked by runners, this aspect of training is nonetheless essential, regardless of your level. Out of around twenty responses from both women and men, six mentioned it, even if it can sometimes feel unrewarding. These resolutions come up year after year, yet still struggle to become lasting habits.

Whether it is to reduce imbalances, prevent potential injuries or improve performance, working your muscles regularly is beneficial in every respect. In the same vein, “adding mobility work to the routine” or “stretching more often” are wise intentions. The question remains, who will be disciplined enough to stick with these routines beyond just a few weeks?

| One guiding principle, enjoyment

Other goals emerged from respondents, beyond pure performance. “Take on a marathon,” “keep having fun and enjoying every race,” “vary personal goals and pacing,” “try new races and distances,” “run a half marathon, but without training,” “enjoy specific workout sessions.”

Running shows no sign of losing popularity, and the responses reflect that. Many runners are putting enjoyment at the center, whether through a mindset focused on well-being or through motivating race goals. The marathon perfectly illustrates this, a long and thrilling adventure that continues to captivate runners of all levels and ages. Beginners are no longer intimidated by the distance and are increasingly willing to line up for longer formats, even without specific preparation. Likewise, sharing their passion with loved ones is becoming an obvious goal for 2026. “Joining a training group” also fits into this desire to run with others.

| Consistency and discipline

For others, January is the perfect time to adopt or return to a more consistent training rhythm. “Run more weekly mileage,” “follow a real training plan,” “stay progressive in my buildup,” “train smarter in terms of consistency, recovery and nutrition,” “get back to a serious sports routine,” “add cycling as cross training,” “do at least one interval session per week.”

For some, 2026 will be the year of performance, or at least of self improvement, consistency and new challenges. More and more runners are taking an interest in training methods and how to improve. There are no secrets here, repetition and time remain the key ingredients for success. The same goes for maintaining a solid daily lifestyle, whether the goal is athletic progress or overall well being.

| Meticulous planning and high standards

While some prioritize enjoyment above all else, others are driven by a competitive mindset and a desire to succeed. “Target my goals more precisely,” “avoid underperforming,” “beat one of my friends in a race,” “pace one of my training partners so he can break four minutes in the 1500 m.”

These varied motivations all aim to place 2026 under the banner of success, in a sport where performance is closely tied to shared experiences and lasting memories. Crews, clubs, friends, family, lacing up together remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together.

Each year, runners come up with no shortage of ideas for resolutions linked to their practice. Yet between intention and execution, the gap often widens as the months go by, and with it, the challenge of staying committed to those initial motivations.

Emma BERT
Journaliste