19 Business Ideas For Runners [2024]
For those who find their passion on the trails or tracks, running can be more than just a hobby—it could be a gateway to a thriving business. You could turn your love for running into a profitable venture, pairing your athletic enthusiasm with entrepreneurial spirit.
From creating unique running gear to organizing community races, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. You could delve into coaching, offer personalized training plans, or start a blog sharing running tips and stories.
In 2024, the landscape is ripe with possibilities to merge your running proficiency with innovative business ideas. This article will delve into some of the most promising business ideas for avid runners like yourself.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other runner businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a runner could be an excellent way to supplement your income and share your journey with a passionate community. By focusing on topics specific to running—such as training tips, race reviews, and best gear recommendations—you could attract a dedicated following that values your expertise. Moreover, monetizing your blog through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and speaking engagements could provide additional revenue streams while allowing you to invest more time into your passion for running. For more insights into starting a niche blog, you can explore detailed marketing ideas and profitability tips on Starter Story.
Why start a niche blog as a runner?
- You could turn your passion for running into a source of income by sharing valuable advice and product reviews with like-minded readers.
- Creating engaging content about your running experiences could attract sponsorships and affiliate marketing opportunities.
- Sharing your journey and insights could help create a supportive community, boosting your own motivation and influence within the running world.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business would make sense as a runner because it allows you to combine your entrepreneurial spirit with the flexibility to manage your work schedule around your training and races. As a tool creator, you could harness the booming email marketing industry to generate steady income, ensuring that you have financial stability while pursuing your passion for running.
The demand for email marketing tools is on the rise, and by developing a solution that helps businesses streamline their email campaigns, you could tap into a lucrative market. Plus, the ability to manage your business from anywhere means you could maintain your work-life balance without compromising your commitment to running.
For more details, visit Starter Story's ideas on starting an email marketing tool business.
Why consider starting an email marketing tool?
- It provides a recurring revenue stream that offers financial stability.
- You can flexibly manage your time between running and business activities.
- The email marketing sector is expected to grow, increasing your potential customer base.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
3. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a runner, you already understand the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, and mental well-being. Starting a health and wellness app could be an excellent way to translate your passion into a business venture. This app could offer users personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental wellness exercises, serving as a virtual coach that helps them achieve their health goals, one step at a time.
Building the app involves various facets such as market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile. It's also a chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives while tapping into a rapidly growing market. If you're passionate about health and fitness and have an entrepreneurial spirit, this could be the perfect avenue for you.
Learn more about starting a health and wellness app here.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could offer a one-stop solution for fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, enhancing user experience.
- You would be able to leverage your expertise as a runner to create tailored routines and advice for users.
- The growing focus on health and wellness makes it a lucrative market with high demand for effective digital tools.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
4. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a runner with an entrepreneurial spirit, you could consider developing an AI writing tool to supplement your income or even pivot fully into a lucrative business venture. The landscape of content creation is evolving rapidly, and AI-powered tools are becoming invaluable assets for businesses, bloggers, and students. Imagine providing a solution that can generate accurate, engaging, and error-free content at lightning speed, thus easing the workload of writers around the globe and boosting productivity.
The beauty of this business idea is its alignment with technological advancements and the increasing demand for high-quality, constant content. After a long run, you could spend a few hours fine-tuning your AI writing tool, marketing it, or exploring new features. It's a venture that not only promises financial rewards but also allows you to stay at the forefront of digital innovation.
Why dive into the AI writing sphere?
- AI writing tools are in high demand, catering to a wide audience from businesses to bloggers.
- The technological nature of the business allows for flexible work hours, perfect for balancing with running.
- Developing this tool puts you at the forefront of innovation, offering a unique and futuristic business opportunity.
For more detailed insights on the profitability of AI writing tools, check out this page on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
5. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning your brilliant idea into a mobile app could be a game-changer for runners. Whether it's an app that tracks your running routes, measures performance metrics, or offers motivational content, the possibilities are endless. With some basic coding knowledge or the ability to hire a skilled developer, you could create an app that caters to the running community and generates revenue.
Why creating a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are integral to daily life, offering immense potential for innovative solutions tailored to runners.
- With a unique idea, your app could gain substantial traction in a niche market, generating significant income.
- A well-designed app can provide value and convenience, making it an essential tool for fellow runners. Explore more on how to start your mobile app journey with Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
6. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even start a full-fledged side business as a runner. You could create content that resonates with fellow enthusiasts, ranging from training tips and gear reviews to documenting your races and personal journey. With consistency and quality, you could grow your audience and monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. For inspiration, check out the profitability of YouTube channels.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could turn your passion for running into a platform that inspires and educates others.
- The potential for revenue is diverse, including ads, sponsorships, and branded merchandise.
- Sharing your unique running experiences and tips could help you build a dedicated community while boosting your personal brand.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
7. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're an avid runner with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a niche website centered around running could be an excellent way to supplement your income or create a side business. A niche website allows you to share your knowledge and passion for running by providing valuable content to a dedicated audience. You could monetize your site through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or offering digital products such as training plans and eBooks.
By diving deep into a specialized topic like running, you gain the opportunity to become a trusted resource in your field. Over time, your website could become a reliable source of passive income, allowing you to focus more on your running passion. If you're interested in exploring how other niche websites have succeeded, check out these success stories.
Why start a running-focused niche website?
- You could turn your passion for running into a profitable venture.
- Building a loyal community of runners who trust your expertise can open doors to various monetization strategies.
- With consistent effort, your website could become a source of reliable passive income, freeing up more time for your running pursuits.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
8. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business is a fantastic side hustle for runners looking to supplement their income. As a runner, you are likely already passionate about fitness and related products, making it natural to recommend gear and supplements to your followers. This business allows you to earn a commission by promoting products you love and already use, without the heavy lifting of creating your own inventory.
To begin, research and partner with brands that align with your values and the products you trust. For more insights into profitability and ideas, check out this detailed guide on affiliate marketing success stories from Starter Story.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You can easily integrate it into your existing fitness routine and social media presence.
- High earning potential with minimal initial investment in inventory.
- Provides a way to monetize your passion for running and fitness by promoting products you already use and trust.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
9. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Creating an online course sales business could be a lucrative venture for runners looking to supplement their income. Since you probably have extensive knowledge and experience in running, you could create courses on topics such as marathon training, injury prevention, or enhancing running techniques. With the e-learning market anticipated to hit $645 billion in value within the next few years, this is a golden opportunity to monetize your passion while helping others achieve their fitness goals. For more information on starting an online course business, check out Starter Story's insights.
Why launch an online course business?
- You already have deep expertise in running; transforming this knowledge into an online course can create a valuable resource for other runners.
- The initial effort in creating a course can provide passive income over time, freeing you up for more runs and personal projects.
- Helping others improve their running skills and achieve their goals can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
10. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent opportunity for runners to turn their passion into profit. By curating a selection of niche, high-quality running products and delivering them monthly, you could cater to fellow fitness enthusiasts looking for exclusive gear, nutrition, and accessories. Subscription boxes are in high demand, as they offer value, convenience, and the excitement of discovering new products regularly, making it a promising venture.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could easily tap into an existing network of runners and fitness enthusiasts.
- The business model allows for recurring revenue, enhancing financial stability.
- Utilizing your expertise as a runner, you could provide curated, high-quality products tailored to customer needs and trends.
For more insights on starting your own subscription box business, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
11. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or even launch a side business that fits seamlessly into your active lifestyle as a runner. Without the need to hold inventory, you can manage your online store while enjoying the flexibility to train, compete, and travel as needed. By choosing a niche that aligns with your interests, such as running gear or health products, you can blend your passion with entrepreneurial ambition, creating a business that resonates with like-minded customers.
Why consider a dropshipping business? - No need to handle inventory, giving you more free time for training and running events. - Minimal startup costs, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer engagement. - Flexibility to manage your business from anywhere, making it ideal for the mobile lifestyle of a runner.
For more specific tips and insights, check out these resources on marketing ideas for a dropshipping business and profitability tips.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
12. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a runner, you could turn your passion for outdoor adventures into a profitable stock photography business. Running often takes you to picturesque locations—beaches, forests, cityscapes—that are perfect subjects for stock photos. By investing in quality photography gear, you could capture these unique moments and sell them to businesses needing high-quality images for marketing and advertising.
Visit Starter Story for detailed success stories from other stock photography entrepreneurs and get inspired!
Why starting a stock photography business?
- You already explore beautiful places that make for compelling stock photos.
- Running aligns well with the flexibility needed for capturing varied scenery and light conditions.
- You could earn passive income by uploading your photos to stock photography websites, providing a steady revenue stream.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
13. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
If you’re a runner looking to supplement your income, starting an AI-based business solution could be a game-changer. The expertise required to develop such solutions has become more accessible, with many platforms offering intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. This makes it possible for someone without a tech background to launch and manage AI-driven services that can optimize business operations, enhance customer service, and provide valuable insights.
Incorporating AI in your business could streamline tasks, making room for your running routine while maximizing productivity and profit. The growing demand for AI solutions means you have a significant market to tap into, offering opportunities to innovate and stay ahead of competitors. Check out these success stories to get an idea of what's possible.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- It allows automation of repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for running.
- The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, providing ample market opportunities.
- AI tools offer data-driven insights, helping businesses make smarter, more informed decisions.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
14. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture for runners. By leveraging your passion for running, you could create a specialized platform that focuses on investing in athletic prospects, sports collectibles, or other fitness-related assets. Utilizing modern technology, you could provide a transparent and flexible trading ecosystem that attracts a dedicated user base, securing recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions. To learn more about startup costs and other practical details, visit this page on Starter Story.
Why start a niche investment platform?
- You could turn your passion for running into a profitable business by focusing on athletic investments.
- Niche platforms often cater to dedicated communities, making it easier to build a loyal user base.
- You could provide asset diversification options, which are increasingly attractive in volatile markets.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
15. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business makes perfect sense for entrepreneurial-minded runners looking to supplement their income. This model lets you combine your love for running with creativity by designing unique running-themed products such as apparel, phone cases, or water bottles without the hassle of maintaining inventory. With minimal startup costs and the flexibility to manage everything from home, it's an excellent side hustle that can grow into a significant revenue stream. For more detailed insights, visit our page on print-on-demand business success stories.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low initial investment: Start with minimal costs and scale up as you grow, making it ideal for side income.
- Creative freedom: Express your passion for running through custom designs that resonate with other runners.
- Flexibility: Operate your business from anywhere, allowing you to maintain your running schedule while earning extra money.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
16. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As a runner, starting a social media automation business makes perfect sense because it allows you to combine your passion for movement with a flexible and scalable income stream. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth—all while on the go. By offering tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data for clients ranging from small businesses to influencers, you could pave the way for a lucrative and fulfilling side business or even a full-time venture. Discover how a social media automation business could be the right move for your entrepreneurial spirit and running lifestyle by learning more with these success stories.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Flexibility on the go: You could manage your business from anywhere, even while you're out running.
- Lucrative demand: The need for consistent and strategic social media engagement is growing, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients.
- Tech meets fitness: If you have a knack for technology and marketing, this business could perfectly align with your skills and active lifestyle.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
17. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business is an excellent way for runners to supplement their income or even create a side business. As a runner, your disciplined routine can be a great asset in managing and growing this business which involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns on behalf of various companies.
Engage your mind while your body gets the workout it craves by strategizing compelling email content and analyzing campaign metrics. Plus, with the flexibility inherent in a cold email service, you can easily adjust your schedule around your running commitments. Check out some inspiring success stories over at Starter Story to get a better idea.
Why consider a cold email service business?
- You could leverage your disciplined mindset from running to efficiently manage campaigns.
- The flexibility allows you to balance running and work, maintaining a healthy routine.
- There's significant scaling potential, making it a viable long-term business endeavor.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
18. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
As a runner, you could utilize your unique lifestyle and time flexibility to develop an online survey tool, a business that helps other businesses gather vital customer feedback efficiently. This venture aligns well with the runner's spirit of discipline and setting goals, as the growing demand for data collection tools offers a robust market opportunity.
For instance, Typeform, a popular online survey tool, saw its annual recurring revenue surpass $70 million in 2021 and continues to grow. This is a clear indicator of how lucrative the online survey market can be. For more success stories and insights, you can visit Starter Story for more details.
Why develop an online survey tool?
- Flexible work schedules allow you to manage both running and business development.
- High demand for data collection from businesses ensures a steady stream of potential clients.
- The low upfront cost makes it an accessible venture for entrepreneurial runners.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
19. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
If you enjoy conceptualizing tech solutions during your runs, starting a WordPress plugin business could be an intriguing venture. The demand for plugins to enhance website functionality is ever-increasing, and as a runner, you might find inspiration for innovative plugins while on your jogs. Selling WordPress plugins can help you earn extra income by addressing common website issues or specific needs that you identify.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- You can leverage your creative thinking during runs to develop unique plugin ideas.
- Selling plugins online allows you to earn passive income, freeing up more time for your physical training.
- You’ll solve real-world problems for website owners, establishing yourself as an expert in the tech community.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
