Utah runner girl trend gains speed, inspires new runners

The Utah runner girl trend is picking up speed online, with videos of a group of female runners from Utah going viral across social media.

Many of their videos show runs through Utah canyons, matching workout sets and friends training together.

With hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of likes, the Utah runner girls have helped spark new interest in running, making it a growing fitness trend.

These posts motivate fans to lace up their shoes and get moving.

Runner Allie Crane said the Utah runner girls are making the sport more approachable.

"I feel like they have just made it a more fun approach to running. Everyone says they hate running, but the Utah runner girls are like, put on a cute outfit, feel confident, and just go out and have fun with it," Crane said.

This mindset helped inspire Crane and fellow runner Megan Morrin.

"They're like, hey, you don't need to be anyone extraordinary to go for a run. I think it just makes running fun," Morrin said. "There's a big disconnect between hobby joggers and professional athletes, and they're kind of that happy in-between."

Inspired by the trend, the two friends decided to sign up for their first marathon.

After months of training, they crossed the finish line.

"I ran my first marathon a couple of months ago, and I just had a good time," Crane said.

Both said running with friends is what keeps them motivated through the miles.

"I've had some of my best friends that I go running with every single day," Morrin said.

"Some of the best conversations I've had ... almost like little therapy sessions ... have been while running with my best friends," Crane said.

And that is exactly what the Utah runner girl trend is about: making running feel fun, social and accessible for anyone who wants to give it a try.