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There has been an increase in more U.S. women entered in running events than men in recent years, and they tend to generate slower times.
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Americans as a whole are less fit than those from other countries. The study cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicated a national uptick in obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. People may register for a race under the false notion that they are capable of running in a competitive manner, but in reality, they may not even be fit enough to finish.
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Many runners enter a race just to do so, with no real intention of securing a decent time. There was reference to the American culture of everyone getting a ‘participation trophy,’ so there is no actual incentive to be fast. It’s satisfaction enough to just show up for an event, perhaps only to socialize, and then walk the entire way.