Three million Australians using athletics for better health

More Australians are inspired to improve their fitness, health and wellbeing through participating in athletics, according to the latest AusPlay data. Over three million Australians, aged 15 and over, participated in athletics through track and field, jogging and running between July 2017 and June 2016.

“Athletics Australia wants to make a genuine impact on as many people within the community as possible,” said Athletics Australia CEO, Darren Gocher. “Athletics is a sport that everyone can enjoy and be involved in for life; there is something for everyone regardless of their level of fitness or mobility, and this release of AusPlay data is very encouraging.”

Importantly, athletics achieved gender parity across its three million participants, and the majority were running, jogging or involved in track and field events several times a week.

Additionally, the data revealed that men and women are equally motivated by physical health or fitness, and mental wellbeing.

“Understanding the physical and mental health benefits of athletics-based activity has increased the focus of Athletics Australia on connecting with more Australians, and through understanding their motivations, encouraging more people to be active more often,” said Athletics Australia GM of Program Development, James Selby.

The AusPlay results follow the recent news that Athletics Australia’s membership base has increased by 19.3%, reaching just over 43,000 from 36,000 in 2015-16. Since 2013 the sport’s registered membership has grown by 40%.

The key figures:

• 3,104,951 Australians participated in athletics
• 1,677,606 males and 1,427,345 females participated in athletics
• 75% of athletics participants are motivated by physical health or fitness