Running Clubs: The New Place to Find Romance and Community
The idea of running as a fitness activity is changing, with romance playing an unexpected role in its growing appeal. At the London City Runners clubhouse, located on the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile, the journey isn’t just about running—it’s also about relationships. With tempting aromas from nearby bakeries and microbreweries filling the air, the clubhouse has become more than just a place for training. It’s a hotspot for romance, with at least 20 couples marrying after meeting there, according to the club’s founder, Tim Navin-Jones.
The club’s focus is clearly on running, with walls decorated with race photos and medals, but there’s something else at play for many new members. The combination of fitness and social connection is drawing people in, especially as dating apps have become less appealing. Many runners have embraced the idea that “run clubs are the new dating apps,” a trend that’s gaining traction on social media.
On a rainy evening in London, as a group of runners gathered outside the clubhouse, one participant from Guatemala shared that finding love was exactly why he joined. Others, including three friends catching their breath near St. Paul’s Cathedral, said they were hoping to meet people and socialize without relying on alcohol. By the end of the run, the group was swapping phone numbers, proving that running is becoming a fresh way to connect.
Running: From Dread to Cool
When most people think of running, romance likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Running, with its often grueling miles, has long been associated with punishment. Mike Saes, founder of NYC Bridge Runners, recalls that when he started running in 2003, it wasn’t seen as cool. Today, though, running has become a lifestyle, with groups like his offering a sense of community and even calling it “funishment.”
Recently, running has surged in popularity, with platforms like Strava gaining millions of users. The app has seen its user base grow by 80 million since 2019, with more people choosing to run in groups. According to Strava spokesperson Chloe Thompson, over 20% of weekend runs are now done in groups of at least six people, reflecting a growing trend of social runners.
Dr. Hidde Bekhuis, an assistant professor at the Behavioural Science Institute in the Netherlands, points out that while traditional sports clubs are declining, informal groups like running clubs are thriving because people are social by nature.
Safety and Support for Women Runners
Running in groups is also important for safety, especially for women. A 2024 study from the University of Manchester found that nearly 70% of women have experienced some form of harassment while running alone. Despite these challenges, running is becoming increasingly popular among young women. Strava’s data shows that the growth in female users, particularly among Generation Z, is twice as fast as the overall growth rate, and women are more likely than men to join group runs.
For many women, group runs provide a safer and more supportive environment. Molly Slater-Davison, the founder of the all-female running group These Girls Run in York, England, said that creating a “safe space” for women to run together was a key motivator in starting the club. The group has tripled in size over the past year, thanks in part to the sense of security it offers to female runners.
Whether for romance, community, or safety, running clubs are rapidly becoming a popular way to meet new people and stay fit. With more people turning to these informal, social fitness groups, the culture of running is shifting—and it’s now about more than just the miles.
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