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Run clubs are all the rage – here’s why you should join one
Written byLiz Connor
Reviewed byHeeral Patel
Offering sober connection and friendly motivation with serious cardio gains, run clubs are booming right now. But what’s behind the buzz, and how exactly can you join the new school of social fitness?
Summary
1Why’s everyone joining running clubs?
“On TikTok alone, the hashtag #RunTok has racked up over one million posts, while #RunningTok has 77,000…”
2What are the benefits of running clubs?
“Regular exercise like running has been shown to release feel-good endorphins and lower levels of stress hormones…”
3Can a running club improve my pace?
“In a run club, someone cruises past you looking effortless, and suddenly you realise you’re not quite smashing it yet…”
Move over boozy nights out and endless WhatsApp chat notifications, because there’s a new way to forge friendships on the rise in the UK.
If recent stats are anything to go by, Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly turning to run clubs to find connection in a post-pandemic world, with colourful crews of Lycra-clad runners flying through pavements, parks and tracks across the country.
Some meet at the crack of dawn to chase fresh PBs, refueling with coffee and croissants, while others casually clock party miles to the beat of boomboxes, celebrating with post-run pints at the local boozer.
One thing they all have in common? A strong sense of community. With 48% of people saying social connection is their top reason for joining a fitness group, run clubs are providing a free and accessible way to meet, move and chat.
What’s behind the recent run club trend?
Scroll through social media right now and you’ll likely come across at least one post-run selfie, celebratory Strava log or group photo of runners in coordinated kits circulating on your feed.
On TikTok alone, the hashtag #RunTok has racked up over one million posts, while #RunningTok has 77,000, and there are now estimated to be over 2,000 run clubs scattered across the country.
“The problem I found with racing is that once people crossed the finish line, they’d just disperse, or hang out in their separate cliques,” says Tim Soar, who founded Bermondsey-based London City Runners in 2010 after moving to the capital. “With a run club, it’s more regular.”
Soar believes that urban loneliness has been a major driver behind the club’s rising popularity, with numbers increasing after the pandemic. “London can be a very lonely city,” he explains. “I’ve seen how a run club can give people something in common that cuts through the awkward small talk, allowing them to make friends naturally.”
And he’s not wrong. According to the charity CALM, around 26 million people in the UK report feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes or often, while another 7% are said to live in chronic loneliness.
The rise of the ‘sober curious’ movement is another big social shift that’s playing a role. Stats suggest that up to 28% of young adults in the UK now identify as non-drinkers, and many are seeking out ways to socialise that don’t revolve around rounds of shots or weekend hangovers.
“There’s definitely some dating going on too,” says Soar. “People are totally wiped out from online dating, and it feels more genuine meeting someone in person.” Case in point: London City Runners has had 27 marriages come out of the club alone. “We even run speed-dating sessions now, and they’ve been an absolute hit,” he adds.
What’s perhaps most inspiring about the UK’s new social fitness flex is that it’s accessible to everyone. Unlike the aesthetic and often intimidating world of boutique fitness, today’s run clubs are all about good vibes and having fun, welcoming people from all socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities.
Most are free, and offer pacers at different levels, so anyone, no matter their speed or experience, can lace up and take part.
“We always say it’s not about how fast you run,” says Soar. “At LCR, we’ve got everyone from people who’ve just finished Couch to 5K, to a guy who just ran the London Marathon in 2:32.”
What are the mental health benefits of run clubs?
We all know running is great for our fitness and cardiovascular health, but pounding the pavements can have pretty incredible benefits for our mental wellbeing, too.
Regular exercise like running has been shown to release feel-good endorphins and lower levels of stress hormones,1 which in turn can improve mood, boost self-esteem and enhance sleep quality.
And those mental health perks seem to get an extra lift when you run with others.
A 2021 study2 found that being part of a sports or exercise group can help protect against depression, with researchers highlighting a double-whammy effect taking place, where the benefits of physical activity combine with reduced social isolation to deliver an extra mood boost. Win-win.
How can joining a running club improve my pace?
Not only does the group aspect keep you motivated to show up each week, Soar says that running with others adds a layer of friendly competition that can push you further and faster on the track.
“In a run club, someone cruises past you looking effortless, and suddenly you realise you’re not quite smashing it yet,” he explains. “Everyone says, ‘I’m not competitive,’ but then they start noticing others around them getting faster and fitter, and that’s when a switch flips.”
Some clubs also encourage signing up for races together, which can be another push to make training a regular part of your lifestyle, knowing you have a goal to work towards and a crew to celebrate with at the finish line.
Run club rookie? Read these tips first…
Today’s run clubs have evolved far beyond traditional training groups with a tribe for every vibe. From all-female collectives like These Girls Run to LGBTQ+ friendly groups like The Frontrunners, many clubs are built around shared values as much as shared paces. Use Instagram to search for local sessions (try searching #runclub + your city) or check fitness apps like Strava.
Don't be intimidated by the super-athletes decked out marathon finisher shirts and boxfresh Hokas. Most run clubs, like London City Runners, cater to all levels – from speed demons to complete beginners. Some even have dedicated pacers you can stick beside as you run.
Ahead of your first session, try to arrive 15 minutes early so you can drop your bag and familiarise yourself with the organisers. This gives you time to ask them about pace groups, route options and beginner-friendly choices before heading out onto the streets.
Most runners aren't trying to be Mo Farah. The running community is generally a supportive and inclusive place, so hunt down a beginner-friendly group, focus on enjoying the process and don't worry too much about racing to the front of the pack.
The final say
Whether you're a total beginner or a marathon master, finding the right running club can transform exercise from a boring solo plod on the treadmill to a genuine highlight in your week.
As most run clubs are free, we recommend trying a few different sessions to find your perfect match. Last one over the finish line buys the first round…
Up next, we look at the facts from the fiction by debunking TikTok running myths.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Basso JC, Suzuki WA. The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: a Review. Brain Plasticity. 2017 Mar 28;2(2):127–52.
2. Stevens M, Lieschke J, Cruwys T, Cárdenas D, Platow MJ, Reynolds KJ. Better together: How group-based physical activity protects against depression. Social Science & Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Oct 1;286(1). Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953621006699?via%3Dihub
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