## Are Run Clubs the New Dating Scene? One Journalist Went Undercover to Find Out
The notion of finding love while breaking a sweat has always seemed a little outlandish to me. Back in my awkward teenage years, I’d rather have endured a root canal than a jog, especially not in front of a crush. But in 2024, a new wave of daters are ditching the bars and the swiping apps for something more…active. Run clubs are booming, and TikTok is filled with sweaty, sun-kissed influencers touting them as the hottest new way to mingle.
It’s easy to scoff at the idea. The image of romance blooming amidst panting breaths and a pounding heart feels like a recipe for disaster. But as dating apps struggle to retain users and the allure of boozy dates fades, the run club phenomenon is a potent sign that dating is changing.
Intrigued, I set out to investigate. Could a run club really be a haven for genuine connection? To find out, I infiltrated a club in London’s Mayfair, a glitzy neighborhood known more for its fine dining than its fitness fanatics. Armed with my investigative skills, I donned a fraying neon green vest and yoga pants (not exactly Lululemon-worthy) and stepped into a room filled with gleaming mirrors and impossibly fit individuals.
My initial anxiety quickly dissipated as I chatted with other runners. Liz, a 23-year-old veteran of the run club scene, explained that the shared exertion creates an atmosphere of openness and camaraderie. “It’s usually just a bit of flirty banter,” she said. “The running community is so welcoming.” Beth, 29, agreed, adding that the simultaneous movement and conversation allows connections to form organically. “You’re not just focused on having a conversation; you’re also doing something else—that takes the pressure off,” she explained.
This newfound interest in run clubs makes sense, especially when you consider the current dating landscape. Apps are losing their appeal, and Gen Z and millennials are increasingly opting for sober activities like gym sessions over bar crawls. Run clubs offer an alternative to those who are tired of swiping and crave authentic connections.
The run itself was a whirlwind of sights and sounds. We sprinted across Westminster Bridge, dodged tourists in Trafalgar Square, and marveled at the manicured gardens of St James’s Park. The coach, Tom Trotter, a content creator and fitness enthusiast, explained that the physical exertion can actually enhance the connection. “Sometimes running can be a bit grueling if you’re running alone,” he said. “If you’re with someone you find super hot and you’re talking away, the running becomes easier.”
Trotter’s words echoed the sentiments of other runners I spoke with. Sarah Guild, a beauty and wellbeing consultant, observed that run clubs attract a specific type of person: those who value health, challenge themselves, and aren’t afraid to get hot and sweaty. “That’s a really good baseline for someone that I would want to meet and potentially have a relationship with,” she said.
After the run, we gathered at Ministry, a sleek co-working space and members’ club, for a light dinner and drinks. It wasn’t the steamy, shirtless scenes I’d seen on TikTok, but the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Runners who had arrived alone were now engaged in lively conversations, laughing and sharing stories. While the romantic spark wasn’t exactly Challengers-level intense, it was undeniably genuine.
Perhaps the allure of run clubs isn’t about finding a soul mate amidst a sweaty frenzy. Instead, it’s about fostering a sense of community, building connections through shared experiences, and finding romance in the most unexpected of places. In a world saturated with online dating, run clubs offer a refreshing alternative, a way to connect with others on a deeper, more authentic level, one step at a time.
