Why do runners use the road when there’s a sidewalk right there?

It’s one of those questions that non-runners ask all the time, even runners ask it if they're curious people - I wondered myself, for a long time.

And honestly, it’s fair—because on the surface, running in the road can appear a little reckless / dangerous or even annoying (to drivers at least).

There's a sidewalk literally a few feet away, so why not use it?

But ask any runner who regularly logs miles on both, and you'll usually get a much more nuanced answer.

Here are 5 good reasons why runners do it; get ready for that 'ah ha, so that's why!' moment! 😄

And quick disclaimer: I'm not saying you SHOULD run on the roads rather than the pavement, I'm merely explaining why some runners choose to do it

1.) It’s not about rebellion, it’s about rhythm

Sidewalks may seem like the safer, more obvious choice but from a runner's perspective, they’re often the complete opposite: broken concrete, uneven patches, driveway lips (and cars pulling out blind), tight corners, and sudden poles or signposts that turn a peaceful stride into a constant obstacle course.

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Running on the road just flows better which is exactly what runners need if they're training for a long race, like a marathon, for example.