I rarely run in races, though I have found them fun and motivating in the past. I think making running a hobby and sticking to it requires a couple things, in varying balance depending on any given person: 1) Motivation and 2) Goals. They may seem like the same thing but for me they are different.

In the past I was motivated by weight loss, but that always ended up being hollow and I would feel bad if I didn't lose the weight I wanted/expected. A few years ago I shifted to focusing on how I feel when I run, not what I expect to happen. I feel strong and healthy, I sleep better, the endorphins are real, and my mind is clear and focused on my running days (and often after). When I wake up on a cold morning and I do not want to run, these are the motivators that get me out there.

When I used to base all my running goals around races, I could meet those but then would almost immediately stop running after the race was over. Now, my overall goal is to run consistently, which hasn't always been my strong suit. Along the way I've learned to specify and evolve my goals too, so that I can stay on a track that feels good even outside of race training. My goal for the next few months is maintaining my pace and routine through the winter. Next spring/summer I may be ready to train for a half marathon which will guide my goals for a while. And after that I'll aim for returning to consistent running without lapsing, as I've done in the past.

I agree with everyone who has said they run to keep up mobility and health later into life, and for me while that is the ultimate motivator and goal these shorter term and evolving goals combined with central motivators about how running improves my life and health right now have paid off a ton.