The Rise of Running Clubs: Why They're More Popular Than Ever

Let’s be honest: motivation is unreliable.

One day you’re all in, the next you’re negotiating with yourself about whether walking to the fridge counts as steps. Movement, like most things that are good for us, is simple in theory but chaotic in practice.

Running clubs are quietly changing that. Not by making it easier, exactly, but by making it more doable. Less lonely. More human.

And that’s exactly why they’re on the rise.

So, Why Now?

In a post-pandemic world, physical connection has a whole new meaning.

After years of isolation, screens, and trying to “stay active” in our living rooms, we’re craving something real. Not just movement, but movement with meaning. Something that makes us feel part of something.

Running clubs aren’t just about fitness. They’re a quiet rebellion against burnout, loneliness, and hustle culture. A way to meet up, show up, and shake off the day — without pressure or pretence.

They’re not trending because everyone suddenly loves cardio. They’re rising because we’re finally realising: we were never meant to do life alone.

We Weren’t Made to Sit This Much

There’s a weird tension in modern life: we’re constantly tired, but rarely physically moved.

Our workdays, commutes, and even social time tend to happen sitting down. And while the fitness industry screams about high-intensity everything, most people just need something that gets them outside and moving, in a way that feels possible.

That’s where running clubs come in.

They don’t sell transformation. They create consistency.
They don’t require intensity. Just presence.

→ You show up
→ You move your body
→ You do it together

Not Just for “Runners”

Forget the image of elite athletes with split times and gels in their pockets.

The modern running club is a collective, made up of all sorts.
Yes, there are people training for marathons. But you’ll also find:

• first-timers doing walk-run intervals
  
• people returning from injury
  
• some who are just there for the post-run coffee
  

The point is: you don’t need a particular pace, goal, or reason. You just need to want to feel a bit better than you did when you left the house.

What We’re Really Running Towards

It’s not really about distance.

Most people aren’t chasing medals or personal bests — they’re chasing something quieter. A feeling of ease. A moment of calm. And maybe, without realising it, a sense of belonging.

Because modern life is full of noise, but short on connection. It’s easy to feel like you’re always on — performing, perfecting, proving. But a running club asks nothing from you except that you show up. No small talk required. No expectations. Just people moving through it — together.

→ You get outside
→ You breathe differently
→ You remember what it feels like to be part of something

It’s not about going faster or being better. It’s about feeling like you’re not doing life alone. And that feeling — of being seen, even in silence — is what keeps people coming back.

Good for the Body, Better for the Mind

Running clears things. The noise, the build-up, the invisible weight we don’t always notice until it starts to lift.

But what running clubs offer is a double benefit: the physical release of movement plus the emotional support of people who get it, or at least don’t expect you to explain it.

It’s not therapy. But it’s therapeutic.

Why They Work

There’s no secret formula. Just real, simple reasons why people stick with running clubs more than solo routines:

• They make movement social
• They create structure without being rigid
• They offer encouragement without performance pressure
• They give you somewhere to be, and people to go with
  
• That combination (movement + meaning + community) is what keeps people coming back.

Where to Start (If You're in London)

If you’re thinking “this sounds good, but I don’t run,” that’s fine. That’s how most people feel before they start.

But London’s full of clubs that meet you where you are, whether you’re building up to your first 5K or just want to feel less weird about moving again.

A few worth checking out:

→ These Girls Run: An empowering women’s group where encouragement beats ego.
→ The Coffee Run: Movement + caffeine. Enough said.
→ City Daze Club: A city walking club: gentle pace, fresh air, easy company.
→ Let's Run With Purpose: For those who want their miles to support more than just fitness, often linked to causes or fundraising.

Not in London?

Look for local running or walking groups on apps like Meetup or Strava, or check if your nearest sports shop or cafe that hosts community events.

Or start small with a friend. Two people IS a club!

Maybe This Is the Support You’ve Been Looking For

You don’t need to be “a runner.” You don’t need to track your pace or have perfect gear.

You just need to move, and maybe, find your people in the process.

A running club might not solve everything. But it might help you feel more connected. More grounded. More like yourself, moving in the right direction.