Running Into Each Other: How Run Clubs Are Changing the Way We Connect

Mico Panis just clocked out of work, and he’s already lacing up his running shoes. For this 33 year old, rest would have to come after. When most people would enthusiastically hop into bed after a full day of work, Mico and the rest of Tara, G! Run Club rush to the heart of Ortigas, and start their daily 7 p.m. running routines. They rush past the rest of us, a semi-neon blur of running tees and reflective Oakleys, looking like a tight-knit flock of tropical birds. By now, the bonds formed through run clubs are commonplace occurrences in every city. With more people returning to fitness and seeking community, the rise of run clubs has given us the perfect opportunity to do both.

Let’s take a few steps back

Taking a breather to explore this movement, Allure Philippines sat with BJ Enverga, PhD, department chair of the European Studies program at the Ateneo de Manila University and a Les Mills BodyCombat and RPM instructor. We ask, “How would you explain the present-day run club boom, particularly in the Philippines?”

“I would say that it’s a phenomenon that has always existed, but has gained more popularity recently. Run clubs do differ globally, and although the sport is standardized, the meanings and practices surrounding it vary depending on the local context. We see this diversity even within Metro Manila,” he says. “There are clubs that are adapted to the environments in which they run. For example, a running club based in Rockwell, Makati, will have adapted their behavior and running routes to the urbanized spaces where they train. Likewise, groups in Alabang, Muntinlupa have more green spaces, and their practices are influenced by that.” 

Dr. Enverga also highlights that running culture isn’t uniform across the world. “Looking at differences across countries, there are varying levels of competitiveness. Some running cultures are very obsessed with their PRs [personal records] or how fast they can complete a certain distance, while others aren’t as focused on competition,” he says. “There are also cities like New York where run clubs are often sponsored by particular brands. This not only reinforces a sense of belonging, but also cultivates brand loyalty. Despite these differences, I don’t think running clubs are just a passing trend. The oldest running club in the world, Thames Hare and Hounds, has been around since 1868. Sure, these clubs evolve over time, but I suspect they will continue to be a part of our culture for the long haul.”

“I guess you could say we ran into each other.”

We’ve all seen them. Those Instagram Reels advertising run clubs as “the new Tinder” while the camera pans to men with the physique of 2000s Abercrombie models. Regardless of what your algorithm usually creates for your feed, no one has been able to escape run club-centric content. And they’re almost always about running being the next dating app alternative.

On Strava, one in five Gen Z users are four times more likely to want to meet people working out than at a bar, saying that they went on a date with someone they met through exercise. Perhaps it’s the natural flush, the skintight activewear, or the perfect opportunity to slyly catch a whiff of each other’s pheromones.

“There is a cycle of positive reinforcement that occurs when a runner trains with a group,” Dr. Enverga says. “Friendships are built through mutual support, witnessing one another’s achievements, and having a meaningful shared experience. I think it is unsurprising that some might then move from the friendship phase to something deeper.” 

Although this isn’t always the case: many people simply run solely for sport. Panis, one of the co-founders of Tara, G! Run Club, shares that a lot of their members still have individual routines, even after the main run. And they aren’t always looking to socialize post-run either. “After 8 p.m., some do go out for dinner, others go home, but most of us stay and extend the run to prepare for future marathons,” he says.

Running with the pack

Despite the flashy portrayals of run clubs as dating hubs, there’s still an undeniable sense of community that fosters deeper connections between members. For many, run clubs aren’t about looking for the next romantic partner—they’re perfect for forging lasting, authentic relationships that go beyond race days and group runs. When asked about how run clubs have contributed to deepening human connections, Dr. Enverga says that “running clubs, whether in the Philippines or outside, usually bring together serious hobbyists who are into running. They are true amateurs, a word whose root is ‘amare,’ which is Latin for love. They run, not to achieve fame or fortune, but because they genuinely enjoy the activity. Members of running clubs can be likened to serious practitioners of any sport or fitness endeavor.” 

He also stresses that a sense of belonging is a powerful motivator. “People develop a strong sense of community within their running clubs. It’s a barkada—a group of friends who share the same passion. This creates a cycle of positive reinforcement that keeps you engaged. You wouldn’t want to miss any part of your group’s activities because of the fear of missing out (FOMO), and as you keep going, you become a stronger athlete.”

Are we running for something or from something?

Raffy, 24, from Mandaluyong, puts it simply: “Run clubs give me a sense of camaraderie and belonging with people who want to see you succeed. It’s like an extended part of my family. There’s a sense of accomplishment getting up at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. and running with people who have the same goals as you.”

By design, running can be done individually. But there are deeper dynamics at play that make the activity more effective when done alongside a group. “Like any form of serious amateurism, running requires the cultivation of skill, knowledge, and attitudes suited for the activity. These are usually developed in groups, not just individually,” says Dr. Enverga. “While it’s possible to train alone, real improvement requires mentorship, guidance, and the support of a group that motivates you, cheers you on, and calls you out when you start slacking.“

Regina, 27, from Quezon City, adds: “I normally don’t join run clubs in my city, but I have a lot of fun traveling for marathons and fitness races, like HYROX. I enjoy how running has opened me to more connections not just within my city, but also globally with global marathons becoming more common these days. Now, I have connections from different parts of the globe, and we all meet up for different reasons, some that go beyond our initial shared interest of running.”

As Panis says, “I joined run clubs initially because I wanted to explore running in different places without feeling lost, but I eventually felt a sense of familiarity and belonging by being part of these clubs.” True enough, his experience encapsulates the broader journey many runners undergo—starting with a desire to simply get moving, only to discover that what truly keeps you running is the strong sense of community and connection fostered through the sport.