If you run with a Garmin smartwatch, you probably spend a few minutes (OK, more than just a few) looking at your performance data when you get home from a run. How far did you run? What was your pace? And if you’ve been running for a while, you’re probably peeking at that VO2 max number too.
Garmin is celebrating both global running day and global cycling day with the release of its running and cycling data reports, highlighting how athletes around the world are recording runs and rides.
- European locales clocked the fastest average pace, with Ireland leading the way at a 9:09 minutes per mile pace, Portugal (9:12 minutes per mile), Italy (9:13 minutes per mile)
- When it comes to specific types of runs, South Korean users recorded the most activities per user for running, track running and treadmill running. Users in France recorded more trail running activities per user than those in other locales.
Whether taking to the trails, roads, mountainsides or their home gyms, the Garmin Connect™ community proved running and cycling activities remain popular globally.
Here are some key takeaways from the past year:
Running data
- Garmin runners recorded nearly 13% more indoor and 3% more outdoor running activities. There was also a 23% increase in users who recorded a run and a strength activity in the same week.
- The average distance ran was 4.82 miles with those aged 50-59 running slightly more per activity on average at 5.1 miles.
- The average pace per mile was 9:21 for men and 10:11 for women. Runners in Ireland logged the fastest average mile (9:09) followed by those in Portugal and then Italy.
- Runners logged the most miles in August and typically ran the farthest on Saturdays.
- The half marathon training plan was the most popular distance trained for using Garmin Coach.
- The average VO2 max for all Garmin runners was 50 and the average sleep score was 73.
Cycling data
- The average bike ride per user was 28.59 miles with cyclists in Italy recording the highest average miles per ride (34.73), followed by those in Belgium and then Spain.
- Garmin cyclists spent about 115 minutes on average on each ride. They also recorded most of their rides on Sundays and the most popular month of the year for all rides was August.
- Garmin cyclists rode an average speed of 14.89 miles per hour (mph) and climbed an average 1,158 feet per ride.
- The average VO2 max for all Garmin cyclists was 51. Data also indicates that the more miles cyclists recorded each week, the higher their VO2 max was.
What is VO2 max? And what was the average best VO2 max for Garmin runners?
Your VO2 max is a number that defines your cardiovascular endurance; the Garmin Human Performance Lab embedded in compatible Garmin smartwatches estimates your VO2 max by analyzing and interpreting performance data while you run.
A higher VO2 max, which means your body is better at taking oxygen from the air and using it in your muscles, is better than a lower one. The average VO2 max for all Garmin runners was 50. If you’re having trouble increasing your VO2max, focusing on high-intensity efforts and increasing variety in those efforts — among other factors — could help. But VO2 max varies significantly when it comes to gender and age. The below VO2 max chart shows how VO2 max differs between men and women and gradually decreases with age.
Click here to read the entire running data report and here to read the cycling data report.
12.06.2026.
SOURCE
New data shows how Garmin runners hit their stride | Garmin Blog
