Competitive Britons strapping trackers to dogs or jogging on the spot to beat friends on fitness apps

By KRISTINA WEMYSS, GENERAL NEWS REPORTER Published: 18:23, 4 June 2026 | Updated: 18:23, 4 June 2026 BRITONS are trying to trump their friends on fitness apps by strapping trackers to their dogs and jogging on the spot, polling shows. Almost half of runners feel they need to make their workouts look impressive online, while two-thirds compare their own activity to that of the people they follow. And under pressure, many are willing to bend the rules. A third of those polled said they have jogged on the spot to boost their step count. Meanwhile, 16 per cent have tried to clock up activity by attaching their device to a dog. Almost half of runners feel they need to make their workouts look impressive online, while two-thirds compare their own activity to that of the people they follow Lazy Britons also admitted to tricking the tech into logging extra steps by moving their wrist (21 per cent), hopping in a car to increase their speed (8 per cent), and getting family or friends to wear their tracker (14 per cent). The same percentage have also posed on Instagram in their running gear before immediately taking off their trainers and calling it a day. However, a third of those polled by the Postcode Lottery said that being able to see how far, and how fast, others run provides them with good motivation. The figures were released as part of Crowns for Causes, a new challenge on the Strava app through which runners can raise money for charity. Broadcaster Davina McCall said: ‘I've always believed that getting active should feel good, not like a chore. Lace up, get out there, and let's make every mile count for something more.’ No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.