It’s been a bad year for many people, lost jobs, lost savings, lost homes… So how are people coping with the stress, depression and anger? Maybe it’s running.

Yep, last week we find out that some 9.2 million people completed a certified foot race in the United States in 2008, up from 3.7 million in 1987. Running USA says, 425,000 completed a marathon and 715,000 ran a half-marathon.

More people moving their bodies makes a welcome change from the usual stats on obesity and chronic diseases. Big business is getting in the act and sponsoring more races…Bank of America (skip the fat bonuses and support thinner runners), ING (healthier people is good insurance), McDonalds (just don’t hand out thick shakes and Big Macs post-race) and Continental Airlines (fits with their slogan “Work Hard, Fly Right”…how about Work Hard, Run On).

Women are leading the way. In 1987, 21% of runners were women, and by 2008 it was 50%. Let’s hope it’s the start of a new running boom!