OK and YuMoney carried out a study to identify which sports dominate the summer landscape for Russians. The goal was to understand how people choose activities during the warm months and what factors shape their preferences as daylight stretches longer and cities buzz with outdoor clubs and events.
The findings show running as the clear favorite, with 38% of respondents naming it as their main summer activity. Football trails closely behind at 25%, while swimming and cycling each attract 21% of interest. These results paint a picture of accessible, mass-participation sports that fit into urban life: running requires little gear and space, football melts into weekend free time with friends, and swimming and cycling benefit from public pools, rivers, lakes, or city bike paths during the season.
OK notes that many users focus on practical, local cycling content: popular routes within their city, guidance on selecting a bike, and visual stories from cycling trips. In second place for summer activity-related content is running, with interest spanning marathons and half-marathons held in urban settings, as well as purchases of suitable apparel and footwear. The pattern suggests a strong appetite for actionable, how-to and gear-focused material that helps everyday athletes perform better and enjoy their workouts safely.
About motivations, 37% of respondents exercise to stay physically fit, while only 7% aim to become professional athletes or compete at a high level. This reveals a broad, health-centered intent among the population. People are looking for sustainable routines, practical tips for consistent training, and clear guidance on building routines that fit busy schedules without demanding elite-level commitment.
Turning to the economics of summer fitness, the survey notes that private sports clubs in Russia see turnover rise by about 2.5 times compared with spring. The majority of participants, 37%, exercise for free during the summer. Another share, 28%, spends between one and five thousand rubles, 14% allocate five to ten thousand rubles, 8% spend ten to twenty thousand, 5% invest twenty to thirty thousand, and a smaller portion exceeds thirty thousand rubles monthly. These figures highlight a seasonal shift toward budget-friendly activities for many and a willingness to invest modest sums when the season is inviting and outdoors-friendly for longer periods.
Earlier this year in Moscow, the city hosted a sports festival featuring TRIATHLON LEAGUE and IRONSTAR, events that showcased the region’s enthusiasm for multi-discipline competitions and high-adrenaline endurance challenges. Such gatherings reinforce the idea that the summer months are a prime time for community sports, social participation, and shared experiences that motivate people to stay active beyond routine workouts.