Incidence and running characteristics associated with running related injuries in runners: a cross-sectional study

The objective of this study was to ascertain the incidence and most prevalent types of injuries sustained by runners over the preceding 12 months and to examine how injury rates vary according to sex, running experience, running distance, and running type. The study included 303 runners. Data were collected through a questionnaire completed face-to-face before/after running events. Independent t-tests compared demographic data, chi-square tests evaluated injury rates based on running-related factors, and binary logistic regression assessed the combined effects of these factors. Fifty-three percent of runners reported an injury in the past year, with patellofemoral pain syndrome the most common (15%). The incidence of injury was higher among professional runners, and the specific types of injury varied by type of running and running distance. These results clarify common running injuries and how experience influences risk, which can guide tailored training and prevention strategies.