We're 100% independent
Find the top Canadian online casinos
Get the biggest welcome bonuses
We're 100% independent
Find the top Canadian online casinos
Get the biggest welcome bonuses
From short distances to ultra-marathons, running is picking up speed, with nearly 50 million Americans, that’s 15% of the population, lacing up and hitting the pavement regularly. And with race registrations soaring globally (up 9% in 2024), more runners than ever are getting ready to take on a challenge [Statista]. But it’s not just the start lines filling up, so are the quirky pre-race rituals runners swear by. Of course, training plans, nutrition, and pacing strategies are key to race day success, but for many, a little superstition goes a long way.
Some runners won’t dare toe the line without their lucky socks, others like to crank up a high-energy playlist, and a few even refuse to wash their race day gear (for luck, of course). So, what’s the secret to getting an edge on race day? To find out, we surveyed 3,000 runners to spill the tea on their most trusted pre-race rituals. Ready to discover which habits might help you cross the finish line faster? Let’s hit the ground running!
Runners aren’t just logging miles; they’re sticking to their lucky routines like their next PB depends on it. A solid 57% are convinced their pre-race rituals give them an actual performance boost. Whether it’s suiting up in a lucky color, fueling up with a favorite snack, or sticking to a precise warm-up routine, these rituals are non-negotiable. Another 27% aren’t totally sure if their rituals help, but they’re not about to risk the odds and skip them (because why tempt fate?) Then there’s the skeptical 16% who claim it’s all in their heads… yet, I am sure they still find themselves triple knotting their shoes the exact same way every time.
The proof might be in the pudding or in this case, the personal best. A solid 79% of runners say they’ve hit a PB when sticking to their pre-race routines. Coincidence? They think not.
So, what happens when they skip their pre-race rituals? According to 52%, it’s a one-way ticket to struggle city. Maybe they got stuck with an unlucky bib number, picked the wrong playlist, or worst of all, ate something new (rookie mistake). Whatever the case, runners who ditch their usual pre-race routine often report that things just don’t go their way on race day.
The devotion to these rituals is so strong that 88% of runners said they would continue their pre-race routines even if science proved it had zero effect. That’s right, for the vast majority, the psychological benefits of these rituals outweigh any research that might suggest otherwise. It’s all about the comfort, confidence, and routine that comes with them. As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The top ritual that gets runners in the zone before the start line? Turns out, it’s all about the perfect energizing playlist. In fact, blasting a specific song or playlist is the top pre-race ritual. And it’s not just about setting the mood, science backs it up! Music has been shown to boost endurance, sharpen focus, and drown out the pre-race jitters.
Race day anthems are dominated by Hip-Hop and Rock, fueling runners with high-energy beats and heart-pounding lyrics. Whether it’s Eminem urging you to Lose Yourself or AC/DC blasting Thunderstruck, the right song can set the pace for a successful race.
When it comes to lucky charms, no item is more sacred than the humble pair of socks. In fact, lucky socks are the #1 good luck charm. Whether they’ve broken in over countless miles or just have that unexplainable magic, these socks are a must on race day. Some runners even go the extra mile (figuratively and literally) by refusing to wash them before a big race. It might not pass the smell test, but when luck is on the line, why risk washing it away?
Runners aren’t just focused on comfort or weather for race day, they’re counting on color for a little extra luck. Our survey reveals that 44% have a “lucky” color they like to wear. And for those seeking a boost of fortune, blue takes the crown, with 30% claiming it’s their go-to color for a strong performance.
But it’s not all about positive vibes, 27% of our respondents revealed that they steer clear of certain colors, convinced that wearing the wrong shade could spell disaster. After all, on race day, nobody wants to feel blue for the wrong reasons!
About 1 in 4 runners start sweating before the race even begins, not from nerves, but from seeing their “unlucky” number on their bib. Whether it’s the notorious 13 or another personal nemesis, some are convinced that their race is cursed before they even step foot on the starting line. Is it irrational? Maybe, maybe not. But when you see someone glaring at their bib like it’s personally offended their training plan, make sure to send some good luck their way.
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about chocolate, the sweetest pre-race superstition of them all. About 3 in 10 runners reveal that chocolate gives them the extra kick they need to chase down a PB. Whether it’s the quick-hit energy boost or just an excuse to eat dessert, this tasty tradition proves that sometimes, victory really is sweet.
We couldn't resist asking our respondents about their most unusual pre-race superstitions. Here are some of the quirkiest ones:
In the end, it’s clear that for runners, it’s all about the comfort of routine. These rituals provide a sense of control and confidence when it matters most. Runners may not know if it’s science or superstition, but they know sticking to their routines helps them feel prepared and ready to go the distance. So, next time you sign up to a race, trust your rituals and superstitions, they just might be the secret to your best one yet!
We surveyed 3,000 runners to gather insights on their pre-race rituals and superstitions.
Feel free to use the data or visuals on this page for non-commercial purposes. Please be sure to include proper attribution linking back to this page to give credit to the authors.
