did you run today? gen zās new way to connect, run, & snack
from filter coffee mornings to dosa-fueled friendships: why running is gen zās latest social flex šāāļø
š puma + bumble: a match made on the run
bengaluru just saw something fun- puma india and bumble teamed up to announce a singles-only running event. think running, mingling, and maybe even finding a match. while this event might sound innovative, itās tapping into a trend thatās been growing for years: running clubs becoming social hotspots.
in bengaluru, there are at least 7 active running clubs (could be more) running in spots like cubbon park every sunday.
these groups are no longer just about fitness - theyāre where friendships spark, professional connections are made, and post-run dosa plans are born.
globally, the trend is catching fire too. nycās scene was highlighted in this nyt piece calling running clubs āthe best alternative to dating apps.ā
why running?
running isnāt exactly new. our parents have been doing it for years, though their version was more about fresh air, catching up with friends, and ending it with filter coffee. but why does running stand out as a go-to activity?
low barrier to entry: no fancy equipment needed - just a pair of shoes and comfy clothes.
easy for beginners: a study by statista revealed that 45% of fitness beginners start with walking or running because itās simple, accessible, and flexible.
from millennials to gen z: the running culture shift š
millennials: for them, running was often recreational or doctor-prescribed. whatsapp groups kept the accountability alive (there was no strava/ nike run club apps for them), and marathons were the big motivator.
gen z: itās less about marathons and more about community. for them, running is social glue - a place to meet people, share laughs, and grab post-run coffee.
as one runner puts it:
āi got into running for fitness, but stayed because of the people. my run club isnāt about dating or coffee ā itās about connecting with others who love the same vibe.ā
the rise of run clubs: whatās new?
modern-day run clubs are a mix of fitness and fun. hereās what makes them thrive:
meeting new people: whether itās for friendships, professional connections, or finding a date, running clubs offer it all.
post-run bonding: breakfast stops, coffee sessions, and unfiltered conversations.
a city newbieās dream: just moved? join a run club for instant community vibes.
online influence: platforms like strava keep the motivation alive, with kudos and run stats inspiring others to show up.
how brands are stepping up šāāļø
big brands like adidas, nike, and puma are taking notice (they were always there btw)
freebies galore: from tees and shorts to protein shakes, brands know how to keep runners happy.
event sponsors: coffee and breakfast sponsorships are becoming the norm.
local collabs: blissclub and westside host community events to connect with their audience.
fun fact: brands like adidas runners now connect users globally, showing how brands are investing in running as a community-building exercise.
how run clubs work now šŗļø
planning and execution are key:
mapped routes: clubs decide the starting point, distance, pit stops, and breakfast spots in advance.
whatsapp + strava: these groups keep members updated, share achievements, and create accountability.
mixed benefits: tips on shoes, running techniques, and even food hacks.
what the runners say
itās not just about the run:
āweekend long runs feel less boring when youāve got friends. the post-run dosa sessions are unmatched.ā
and twitterās influence is real:
āseeing @keerthisiddeshw and @saurav_surve post their strava runs? pure motivation. iāve never even run with them, but they inspire me daily.ā
dating? just run with it š
who needs dating apps when running clubs make connections so effortless?
shared vibes: matching strides and bonding over dosa breakfasts? unmatched.
no pressure: running side by side keeps it natural - sweat = the ultimate icebreaker ig.
routine meetups: seeing the same faces every weekend makes building connections easy.
more than dating: many join for friends, mentors, or just accountability, and love sometimes happens along the way.
even if sparks donāt fly, youāll still leave with better stamina, good company, and maybe a new coffee spot. š
as one runner says:
āitās not like i joined a running club to date, but it just kind of happened. we started with casual chats after runs, then breakfasts, and now weāre training for a race together.ā
so, the next time someone asks if youāre on a dating app, maybe just say, ānah, iām in a running club. lolā āØ
whatās not-so-great about run clubs? š
pace mismatches:
beginners might struggle to keep up with seasoned runners aiming for marathon training or personal bests. conversely, for elite runners, the relaxed, social atmosphere might feel more like a distraction.over-planning:
some clubs go too far with rigid training plans and coaches, which can alienate casual runners.unreliable advice:
not all tips shared in clubs (or on strava) are accurate.serious runners get distracted:
those seeking focused training often find themselves frustrated by the casual vibe of some clubs.
why gen z loves run clubs š§”
running clubs tick all the boxes:
accessibility: even a 3km jog feels like an accomplishment.
socializing: friendships, collaborations, and even romantic connections often start here.
free goodies: because who says no to swag?
community vibes: accountability + motivation wrapped in good conversations.
so, anon, did you run today? š
if not, maybe itās time to lace up and join.
whether itās for the dosa, the kudos, or the connections, the track.
special thanks to the internet fam š
this article wouldnāt have been possible without some absolute legends who didnāt mind my endless questions, my occasional dumb takes, and my borderline irritating curiosity. from calls that stretched for hours to detailed messages answering every little thing - yāall are the real mvps. š«¶
special shoutout to: @Naina_2728, @ann_chinju, @xerefic, @timtimsharma, @Shetty_nhl, @iammoinak, and @varunperuu.
thank you for your time, your stories, and your patience - youāre the reason this piece came together. i couldnāt have done it without you.
keep running, keep inspiring, and maybe donāt block me when i spam you with questions again š
Interesting Insights!
Fresh, and enlightening POV.