The Group Chat: Run, baby, run

From The GIST Team:

You asked, we answered: ICYMI, The Group Chat is our new glowed-up Sunday Scroll, covering the intersection of sports and culture. Think brunch with your sporty bestie — a weekly yap sesh that keeps you in the know and helps supplement your healthy, happy lifestyle. We’re so glad you’re here.

• Without further ado, here’s our first-ever issue. In honor of tomorrow’s Boston Marathon, we’re exploring the rise of run clubs. It’s not just about cardio — run clubs are providing built-in friend groups, too.

• Here’s more on the growing trend, plus how to join one to upgrade your fitness and social life.

It’s no secret that society has a loneliness problem — the U.S. Department of Human Services released a 2023 advisory detailing how social isolation is increasing, especially among young people, and wreaking havoc on our mental and physical health. The report indicated that lacking social connection is as bad for your life expectancy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

• In order to combat the loneliness epidemic, many young people are seeking new ways to log off and spend time with friends and acquaintances IRL. That’s led to the astronomical rise of a sporty phenomenon: run clubs.

Run clubs aren’t new, but they are booming: Strava, a fitness social media app, said in their 2024 year-end report that run club participation grew a whopping 59% last year. The increase is happening globally and across demographics, but it’s especially strong among Zillennials who are searching for community around a shared interest.

• Why run clubs, specifically? Running is obviously great for your physical health, but Strava also says people were four times as likely to want to meet friends or dates through exercise groups rather than at a bar.

• In fact, 58% of Strava respondents made new friends through group exercise, and 20% of Gen Zers went on a date with someone they met through a fitness group. Much more fulfilling than endless hours scrolling on a dating app.

The benefits of group running don’t stop at sweating it out with new connections, either. Working out with a group can help you build healthy habits, hold you accountable when you don’t feel like showing up, bring new meaning and levity to your self-care, and inspire you to achieve more than you ever thought possible.

• Case in point? Strava reports a 40% average bump in the length of runs when the respondent was with 10 people or more. Turns out you can go fast and far together.

• Example B: Every Woman’s Marathon, a massive event designed to create a running community for women, by women. At last year’s inaugural race, an incredible 42% of runners were first-time marathoners. Running the world…literally.

Which leads us to our favorite benefit of all: Running is a feminist tradition. When you participate in a run club with other women, you’re honoring the progress made by those who came before, like Boston Marathon legend (and friend of The GIST) Kathrine Switzer. Sports, community, and leveling the playing field race course? Doesn’t get more GIST-y than that.

Still feeling nervous about taking that first step? Have no fear, most run clubs have members at all levels and paces, so you’ll never be left in the dust. It’s not a competition — run clubs exist to help you move your body and build community, plain and simple. Hello, holistic self-care.

• And if literal first steps aren't in the cards for you, groups like Achilles International make group exercise even more inclusive by providing opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the benefits of run clubs. You love to see it.

There’s only one thing left to do: Start running. You can find run clubs near you via social media — Strava and runners’ corners on TikTok, aka RunTok, are great options. Brands like Nike and lululemon also facilitate some meetups. And if these options aren’t available in your area, your local running shoe or sporting goods store could have some leads.

• And if worst comes to worst, be the run club you want to see in the world and start one yourself. Who knows, you could start a revolution.