Running is a popular sport in the United States. In fact, an impressive 50 million Americans - 15% of the population - participate in running or jogging exercises.

This figure isn't surprising at all, considering runners don't need to invest in massive equipment or expensive classes to enjoy the physical activity. Plus, it boosts weight loss, strengthens bones and slows signs of aging. 

However, many enthusiasts still wonder how many calories they burn running a mile. 

This article will discuss everything you need to know to get an accurate estimate on your calorie counter. 

Factors That Affect Calories Burned Running A Mile

There's no one-size-fits-all fitness solution available in the market, just as there's no one formula for counting calories burned running a mile. 

The American Council on Exercise states that a 160-pound man will burn around 12.4 calories per minute jogging, or 372 calories during a 30-minute run. However, below are some factors that affect calories consumed while jogging. 

Weight
Given the example above, it's safe to assume that a 120-pound man will burn 279 calories by running for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, a 200-pound man can expect to lose 465 calories by doing the same exercise. Naturally, heavier individuals have to work harder because they carry extra weight.

Gender
There's no formula for computing how many more calories men burn than women, but they generally do because they have more muscle and less fat. Their body structure enables them to burn more calories. 

Age
Generally, older people lose muscle and gain more fat. For this reason, they tend to burn fewer calories than their younger counterparts. 

Speed
The faster runners go, the more calories they usually burn. The increased effort makes them lose more calories during their workouts.

Incline
Treadmill runners know this: adding incline to workouts can drastically boost calories burned running a mile. Similarly, running hills can do wonders for calorie-burning efforts. 

Ways to Track Calories Burned Running a Mile

Apart from using treadmills, runners can accurately track how many calories they burn running a mile by using modern tools, such as the ones listed below. 

Trackers: Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Garmin offer effortless calorie-monitoring features. As long as users wear them during their runs, they can see a reasonable estimate of their burned calories.

Calorie calculators: Tools like My Fitness Pal help people log their calorie intake and exercises for the day. This feature enables fitness enthusiasts to hold themselves accountable for their wins and losses.  

Apps: Smartphone apps like Runkeeper and Strava provide consumers with valuable information about their workouts, including calories burned. The downside is users need to carry their phones to track results.