More people are lacing up and heading out, even in the cold, instead of waiting for spring. Running clubs have exploded, Strava says they’re up 3.5 times in 2025. Gen Z? Apparently, they’re spending more on fitness than dating these days.
Google’s numbers really show the shift. Searches for the Run Up To Christmas challenge have skyrocketed by 1,850% since last year. The Marcothon’s up 367% too, as everyone scrambles for some structure during the holidays.
But with all this festive running hype, there’s a catch. It’s way too easy to get carried away and burn out before the year’s even over. That’s why Ronhill, the original British running brand, is stepping in with some proper advice. You want to stay motivated, not run yourself into the ground during the busiest time of year, right?
The consistency challenge: Marcothon
Marcothon is in its 17th year and it’s simple: run every day from 1st to 31st December. Each run has to be at least 25 minutes or three miles, whichever comes first.
Zone 2 running is everywhere right now, and Marcothon’s a great place to try it out. Jon Wild from Ronhill says the trick is making 80% of your runs easy, like you could hold a full conversation the whole time.
Honestly, don’t try to smash your summer pace in December. You’ll end up exhausted. The secret to finishing all 31 days? Slow it down so you’re fresh enough to get up and do it again tomorrow.
The volume challenge: Run Up To Christmas (RU2C)
The Run Up to Christmas challenge gives you more wiggle room than daily streaks. You pick your total distance, usually between 50km and 100km, and cover it between 1st and 25th December. Rest days? Totally allowed, so you can still hit the gym or mix up your training.
Ronhill’s front-loading strategy:
Jon Wild suggests knocking out 60% of your target distance in the first two weeks. Most of us forget how wild things get after mid-December, suddenly it’s all parties, shopping, and family stuff.
If you get ahead early, you can cruise with short, easy runs when everything else is chaos. No last-minute panics, no missing out on the fun just to squeeze in miles.
The community challenge: Advent running
Social running clubs are booming, and advent running challenges are riding that wave. You can sign up for 12 or 24 group runs in December, turning winter training into something social instead of a lonely grind.
The stats back it up. Strava says group runs with 10+ people last 40% longer than solo ones, and they just feel easier. Over half of Gen Z runners join fitness groups mainly to meet people. These days, you might bump into more new friends at a club run than at a pub.
Ronhill gets it: accountability beats willpower, hands down. “When it’s -2°C at 6:30am, willpower’s not enough,” says Jon Wild. “But knowing there’s coffee with friends after? That’ll get you out the door.”
The move here? Book your social miles now. Make them calendar appointments, not just good intentions.
Tips to Thrive During Winter Runs
Mastering the Layering System
You’ll want three layers to manage your temperature on cold runs. Start with a thin base that wicks sweat away. Add a mid-layer for warmth, think a light fleece or thermal top. Top it off with a windproof, water-resistant shell.
Ronhill’s technical kit is built for winter running, letting you dial your warmth up or down. Your base should fit close, not tight. The mid-layer traps heat, and the outer shell keeps out wind and rain.
Peel off or add layers as you warm up. You should feel a little chilly at the start, not cosy. That way you won’t overheat after a mile or two.
Key layering principles:
- Start cool, not toasty
- Pick breathable fabrics
- Skip cotton, seriously, it’s a mistake
- Don’t forget gloves and a hat
Managing Wind Chill and Wet Heat Loss
Wind chill makes it feel way colder than the thermometer says. A 10-degree day can feel like freezing if you’re running into a stiff breeze. Try to run into the wind first, so you finish with it at your back.
Wet clothes, whether from rain, snow, or sweat, pull heat from your body fast. Your outer layer should block wind but still let sweat escape.
Watch your exposed skin on windy days. Face, ears, hands, they lose heat quickest. Use a buff, headband, or even a light balaclava if you need to.
Check the forecast before you head out for your winter runs. It’s the combo of temperature and wind that really decides what you should wear, not just the number on the app.
Hydration and Perceived Exertion
You still lose fluids through sweat and breathing during cold weather runs, even if you don’t feel especially thirsty. Cold air is dry, and your body has to work to warm and humidify every breath. That process pulls water from your system, sneaky, right?
Your perceived exertion goes up in the cold since your body burns extra energy just to keep your core temperature steady. Sometimes it almost feels like you’re slogging through mud at paces that would feel easy in the summer. It’s not just you.
It’s smart to drink water before, during, and after runs that last longer than 45 minutes. Carry a handheld bottle or use a running vest with insulated pockets. Cold fluids can freeze up fast, so keep water close to your body or stash it in an insulated container if you can.
Watch out for signs of dehydration:
- Dark yellow urine
- Headache after running
- Fatigue that just won’t quit
- Dry mouth or lips
Honestly, it’s totally normal to need to adjust your pace expectations during cold weather training. Running at the same effort level might mean your times are a bit slower than they would be in milder weather.
