Latest articles


Fewer Americans in MLS than ever before [Data analysis]

Fewer Americans in MLS than ever before [Data analysis]

We looked at the playing time of 3,222 players, from 129 different nationalities, who have played in MLS. The aim of our analysis was to identify how the playing time of US and international players has evolved in MLS as it has become a more established league. Key Findings The share of US playing time in MLS has: Decreased 43.58% since the first season of MLS Decreased 29.53% in the last decade. The share playing time has increased 156% since the first season of MLS for[…]


More female coaches than ever, long way still to go

More female coaches than ever, long way still to go

We analyzed the head coaches of women’s football teams between 2011 and 2021 to understand what opportunities are available for female head coaches and who really controls the women’s game. The report includes the teams that participated in the most recent season of the English FA WSL, Women’s Champions League, USA NWSL, German Frauen-Bundesliga, French Division 1 Feminine and Spanish Primera Division. It also included the top-25 ranked teams in The FIF[…]


Scientific Benefits of Exercise [Research Review]

Scientific Benefits of Exercise [Research Review]

In 2021, we began a project dedicating a significant amount of time towards researching the scientific benefits of exercise for your health. Reading, reviewing, analyzing, and reporting the findings of hundreds of studies showing how everything from regular physical activity to working out benefits you. Health benefits of exercise Exercise is the act of increasing your physical activity and exerting more effort than you normally would. It increases your heart rate and re[…]


70 Years of Height Evolution in the NBA [4,504 players analyzed]

70 Years of Height Evolution in the NBA [4,504 players analyzed]

“You can’t teach height” - Red Auerbach We spent 2 months analyzing 24,841 records of 4,504 NBA players during 69 NBA seasons in order to show how the game of basketball evolved through the evolution of players’ height. Special note to Kirk Goldsberry, whose book “Sprawlball” inspired the creation of this research. This article is a height spinoff of “Sprawlball”. Key findings: The average NBA player is 6'6.3'' tall and has[…]


Female athletes are invisible to fans (2,117 people survey)

Female athletes are invisible to fans (2,117 people survey)

RunRepeat, in partnership with Beyond Sport, surveyed 2,117 people about their role models in sports. Our hypothesis was that historical media dominance and promotion of male athletes will result in men dominating the list of sports idols of both genders. Key Findings The result of this survey reaffirms the impact of a lack of equitable access and opportunity for women in sport: Only 38% of women stated a female athlete as a sports idol, while 98% of men stated a male at[…]


Guide: Soft vs. Firm Running Shoes

Guide: Soft vs. Firm Running Shoes

While the focus of this guide is the softness of the shoes, we can't tell the whole story without mentioning shock absorption (the ability of the midsole to dampen the impact or absorb the impact forces, so that less stress is sent to the legs) and energy return (which tells us how good the midsole is at bouncing back or how responsive the ride is). We’ve summarized 20+ hours of research, lab data analysis and scientific articles into this guide to offer a comprehe[…]


Carbon-Plated Shoes Cut In Half, Explained and Lab-Tested

Carbon-Plated Shoes Cut In Half, Explained and Lab-Tested

This guide covers what to expect from carbon plated shoes, how much they can improve running times and when they will not work. We’ve spent 20+ hours researching the topic and summarizing scientific conclusions and our lab data. Here, we don’t take sides in the “what did the carbon-plated shoes do to running” debate. The majority of carbon-fiber plated shoes are race-ready. Given that these shoes were made and tuned for elite runners, they work be[…]


Return to work creates exercise boom for least active [Study]

Return to work creates exercise boom for least active [Study]

We wanted to understand how the exercise habits of people who were forced to work remotely during the pandemic were impacted by returning to the office full-time. To do this, we surveyed 2,494 people who were working remotely during the pandemic about their exercise habits before and after returning to work. Key findings: Returning to work in the office full-time, after being forced to work remotely during the pandemic has resulted in: 59.52% of non-exercisers are active[…]


Guide: Flexible vs. Stiff Running Shoes

Guide: Flexible vs. Stiff Running Shoes

Why are stiff running shoes getting the spotlight? Why do runners flex and twist shoes in running stores? How is stiffness related to your running performance? 20+ hours of research is summarized in this guide - covering both scientific studies, authoritative articles and our lab data. Choose flexible running shoes if you are looking for comfort and shoes for long runs. Most daily trainers focus on flexibility. Choose stiff running shoes if you want to improve your runni[…]


45.85% of female runners have experienced harassment (Survey)

45.85% of female runners have experienced harassment (Survey)

RunRepeat recently surveyed 3,774 gym members and found more than 50% of women have been harassed at the gym while working out. To find out if this problem is isolated to gyms or a wider issue, we surveyed 4,709 runners* to understand the extent of harassment that runners face and what impact this has. For the purpose of this survey, a runner is defined as someone who runs at least once a week. Key findings: 45.85% of female runners have experienced harassment 9.56% of a[…]