Data by Garmin shows latest active trends in running and cyclingThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
A new study into running and cycling habits shows that Irish runners are the fastest (Image: Garmin)
Runners in Ireland are the fastest in the world, according to a new study by fitness watch manufacturer Garmin.
The average run was 4.82 miles (7.75km) and the longest average runs came from 50-59 year-olds, at 5.11 miles (8.22km), while the 20-29 group actually logged the shortest at 4.6 miles (7.4km).
READ MORE: Garmin Venu X1 smartwatch review: ultra-premium fitness-focussed wearable with best tracking metrics
READ MORE: Garmin’s ‘biggest software update yet’ drops – full list of watches and bike computers getting boost
The pioneering sports watch firm has released the latest global trends in running alongside a companion report on global cycling trends which show that people are becoming more active and health conscious.
Both studies draw on anonymous scientific Garmin Connect data logged by users of its tech products around the world, covering mileage, pace, resting heart rate, VO2 Max and functional threshold power.
They offer fascinating insights into how we are keeping fit in 2026.
The key takeaways from the report show that runners in Ireland were the fastest in the world, averaging a 9:09 per mile pace.
Garmin said the average time per run was 46.3 minutes, peaking with the 60-69 group at 50.8 minutes.
Cyclists in United Arab Emirates are the fastest, according to the Garmin data(Image: Garmin)
Resting heart rate fell from 62.2 bpm for non-runners to 55 bpm for those running 31+ miles a week.
Indoor running activities jumped 12.6% per capita year on year and 23% more runners paired a run with a strength workout in the same week versus a year earlier.
The firm said the average bike ride was 28.59 miles and about 115 minutes – roughly the length of a feature film. Cyclists aged 60-69 climbed the most, gaining 1,201 feet per ride \u0097 nearly the height of the Empire State Building. The fastest cyclists were in the UAE (17.75 mph), and the top 1% of riders averaged a 243 max FTP.
Weekly mileage clustered in the 6-10 mile range, where nearly 40% of runners landed while just 3% logged more than 31 miles.
Click here to read the entire running data report and here to read the cycling data report.
Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.