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Strava’s 2021 Year In Sport report reveals boom of physical activity in the UK

Strava, the world’s largest sports community, has released its annual Year In Sport report – revealing the 2021 activity trends from a global community of 95 million athletes, and a total of 1.8 billion public uploads over the past 12 months. 

The report was launched at a virtual global event, which convened leading voices from around the world including athletes, and experts from the field of sports and technology.

Expertly hosted by British broadcaster Jenni Falconer, the event focused on the report’s findings and the key trends that have dominated the activity landscape, as well as the impact of climate change and extreme weather on athlete performance.

Speakers included:

  • Michael Horvath, Co-founder and CEO, Strava
  • Kilian Jornet Burgada, Professional athlete and climate advocate
  • Kirsten Mildren, Chief, Public Advocacy & Campaigns at the United Nations
  • Caspar Coppetti, CEO & Co-founder, On Running
  • Hugo Tagholm, Chief Executive and Co-Founder, Surfers Against Sewage
  • Kerin Hempel, CEO, New York Road Runners — We’re Hiring!
  • Shailvi Wakhlu, Senior Director of Data, Strava

Key insights from the Year in Sport report included: 

  • 38% increase in uploads over last 12 months on Strava – the world’s largest sports community with 95 million athletes, including 17% of UK population
  • Brits going faster and further after lockdowns, with 1.8x more personal bests recorded and the biggest increase in marathon personal bests than anywhere in the world
  • UK revealed as the global capital for hiking and walking – with 24% of all activity uploads representing walks

Commenting on the Year in Sport launch, Michael Horvath said

“Even as the global athletic community endured another year of pandemic disruptions and restrictions, we saw a persistent desire from athletes to stay connected and keep one another active.

“Every effort counts on Strava, and our team is thrilled to provide a platform for anyone who sweats to connect with their peers, find new places to be active, set goals for themselves, create clubs and challenge their friends.”

The Seven Hills team thoroughly enjoyed working closely with Strava to launch the report to the media, and to help deliver the event to a global audience of media and key stakeholders. 

Screenshot 2021-12-10 at 15.38.38

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