This is the fall you actually get into running.

Everything you need to know about running.

Running is the new social hour.

More and more Canadian women are lacing up their neon trainers, cranking their playlists and logging kilometres. From 2009 to 2014, national participation in marathons grew by 11 percent, according to the website RunRepeat. South of the border, the 5K and the 21.1-kilometre halfmarathon are the most popular. “Running is affordable,” says John Stanton, president and founder of the Running Room. “You can do it solo or in a group, and it’s one of the quickest ways to get in shape.”

We typically burn about 60 calories per kilometre. Here’s how: During a run, the body uses up glycogen, which is the glucose stored in your blood and muscles. This process requires oxygen, hence the requisite huffing and puffing. Chariots of Fire- ing your way through your neighbourhood also builds bone mass, strengthens the tissue around joints and can lower your risk of developing dementia and even boost your mood. It’s a happy hour, indeed.