Athletics Australia claim up to three million recreational joggers are 'participating in athletics'

An interpretation of the latest Australian Sports Commission AusPlay data has seen Athletics Australia claim that the more than three million Australians who jog and run for exercise and wellbeing are participating in the sport.

The recently released AusPlay data shows that 3,104,951 Australians, aged 15 and over, participated in athletics through track and field, jogging and running between July 2017 and June 2016.

Not differentiating between those improve their fitness, health and wellbeing through recreational jogging and running and those who are involved in athletic and running competition, the figures see athletics listed among Australia’s top 10 participation sports.

An interpretation of the latest Australian Sport Commission AusPlay data has seen Athletics Australia claim that the more than three million Australians who jog and run for exercise and wellbeing are participating in the sport.

The recently released AusPlay data shows that 3,104,951 Australians, aged 15 and over, participated in athletics through track and field, jogging and running between July 2017 and June 2016.

Indicating that 75% of ‘athletics participants’ are motivated by physical health or fitness, the data did not otherwise differentiate between those who improve their fitness, health and wellbeing through recreational jogging and running and those who are involved in athletic competition.

With a claimed one in eight Australians participating in athletics, the figures see athletics listed among the nation’s top 10 participation sports.

The AusPlay are a considerable expansion on Athletics Australia’s recently released figures on its membership base of 43,000, a 19.3% rise on 36,000 members in 2015/16.

Commenting on the figures Athletics Australia Chief Executive Darren Gocher stated “Athletics Australia wants to make a genuine impact on as many people within the community as possible.

“Athletics is a sport that everyone can enjoy and be involved in for life; there is something for everyone regardless of their level of fitness or mobility, and this release of AusPlay data is very encouraging.”

The AusPlay data showed gender parity across its three million participants, with the majority of participants “running, jogging or involved in track and field events several times a week”.

Additionally, the data revealed that men and women are equally motivated by physical health or fitness, and mental wellbeing.

Athletics Australia General Manager of Program Development, James Selby added “understanding the physical and mental health benefits of athletics-based activity has increased the focus of Athletics Australia on connecting with more Australians, and through understanding their motivations, encouraging more people to be active more often.”

For more information go to www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/smi/ausplay/results/sport

Image courtesy of Adelaide Park Lands.

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