I would agree that Oprah had a strong influence on triggering the current boom, especially with women and boomers. The Rock and Roll series has probably helped prolong the boom more than anything else, seconded by running for charity groups.
Marathon Guide has an interesting article here:
http://www.marathonguide.com/Features/Articles/2010RecapOverview.cfm
anytime there is some sort of hard hit on a country (economic recessions, wars, terrorist attacks, etc) the people turn to exercise and running is one of the most widely known and most easily available forms of exercise.
major breakthroughs or new names in sports (jeremy lin, bolt's records, even U.S. athletes winning gold, if not a medal at the olympics) also make people turn to exercise and a newfound interest in the sport.
What running boom?
The real, first running boom as to the masses? Frank Shorter.
The first real track boom? Southern California in the 60's. Truly a golden era.
Bill Bowerman saw what was happening in NZ and helped ignite the craze here with the help of Blue Ribbon sports.
AlmostBQ wrote:
Was it Oprah Winfrey finishing the Marine Corps marathon? The economic recession of 2008? Ideas?
When will the mass interest in running recede? History demonstrates it has come and gone in the past.
The "Facebook effect" didn't spark it, but it certainly contributes to it. People see their friends and family doing 5K's and half marathons and so interest has increased. I think the Facebook effect will keep the trend from receding any time soon.
A mirror.
At least among the group of people in my area. Mostly people trying to lose or maintain weight. They usually only run two and a half seasons a year. In 50 degree weather it looks like they are prepared to run in a Greenlandic winter. I guess blowing money on all that gear helps the running companies.