In 2024, run clubs have surged in popularity, with record numbers of people hitting the pavement. From tech workers to social workers and nurses, individuals from all walks of life are embracing the power of social running.
But social running offers more than just physical fitness. For those in demanding professions, such as nursing, running with others can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and even strengthen key nurse practitioner skills, such as resilience, teamwork, and mental clarity.
Today, let’s explore:
- The physical, mental, and social benefits of social running
- Why social running is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle
- How joining or starting a run club can enhance both your personal and professional life
Table of Contents
What is Social Running?
Social running is when people join together to run in a group, with two or more people going for a run together. This can be a short jog around the block, or a longer run where you really build up a sweat and get a good exercise session in.
People may chat as they run, or during breaks, or simply focus on the healthy benefits of running together. Some people meet up before work, after work, or even on a lunch break. The idea is to get together with some friends and engage in a healthy activity that has positive benefits for the mind, body and spirit.
The Rise of Social Running
Over the last few years, and especially in 2024 and heading into 2025, social running has gained popularity. The COVID-19 pandemic truly cemented this activity into the local consciousness of people, as gyms were shut and lockdowns meant that you could only venture outside for exercise. As such, groups of friends began organising run clubs or joining together for a quick catch-up and a run.
This allowed for vital social connection during a period when we were all confined to our homes for fear of spreading the virus. As we emerged out of the worldwide lockdowns, many people continued this activity, meeting up with friends, family and other connections for a run, to break a sweat and enjoy the many benefits of socialising and exercise.
Did you know? Participating in social running clubs not only enhances physical fitness but also significantly boosts mental well-being. According to National Geographic, running with others can improve mood, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community, leading to lasting friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.
What Are The Benefits of Running?
Now, we’ll spend a bit of time detailing the various benefits of social running, from the physical health benefits, the mental health benefits and the social benefits.
Physical Health Benefits
Regular running or jogging offers many health benefits, as it is an intense form of cardiovascular exercise. Running can:
- Help you to build strong bones, as it is a weight-bearing exercise
- Strengthen your muscles
- Improve your cardiovascular fitness
- Burn kilojoules
- Help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Did you know that an inactive or sedentary lifestyle is associated with higher mortality rates, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke? It is also a primary cause of most chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, as your body rapidly adapts to insufficient physical activity, which results in substantially reduced quality of life. For this reason alone, you can see how running has many benefits for your physical health.
Mental Health Benefits
Almost immediately, as you run, you release feel-good chemicals in your brain called endorphins. These chemicals give a feeling of well being and satisfaction, which is why you feel great during and after a run. You also feel relaxed and calm after a run due to these chemicals.
There is fascinating biochemistry behind the mental health benefits of running. This is because exercise increases the levels of chemicals called endocannabinoids in the bloodstream.
Unlike endorphins, which are released during exercise, endocannabinoids can transfer easily through the cellular barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain, called the blood-brain barrier, where these mood-improving chemicals promote short-term psychoactive effects such as reduced anxiety and feelings of calm.
For this reason, running is incredibly rewarding and regular running can have long-term boosts to your mental health and wellbeing.
Social Benefits
Running with other people, especially friends, is one of the most effective strategies for creating a regular running habit and sticking with it. The social benefits of running are some of the biggest reasons why runners start the habit and stick with running. Whether you’re running with just one friend or a larger running group, here are some ways you can benefit from group running.
One is that you’ll have group role models, as humans naturally begin to adopt the habits of those people closest to them. Spending time with other runners who are also your friends will help you form a regular running habit. You’ll start to mirror your running friends’ habits, including other good habits such as healthy eating and staying hydrated.
Furthermore, you’ll motivate each other. With a social running group, you get regular encouragement from your friends. Members of the group will encourage each other at social runs and during longer runs.
You’ll be more inclined to stick to your exercise schedule because members of the running group will hold each other accountable. It’s also harder to skip a workout when you know others are expecting you to be there.
You’ll also feel a sense of belonging, which is essential for human connection and wellbeing. Being part of a cohesive team of runners can give you a sense of purpose and help you forge new and meaningful connections as you meet new people or connect with members of the running group.
In addition to these other benefits, you’ll get some creative stimulation. This is because it’s fun to share ideas and throw around topics when running with a group. You can bounce ideas or thoughts off your running friends and ask them for advice.
Joining a Social Running Club
You might be wondering how you go about joining a social running club. One of the easiest ways to do this is to look for an existing running club. You can ask your friends, who might already be in a running club. Or, you can look online, such as via a Facebook community page or Good Karma Network, or on a website such as Meetup.
Chances are you’ll find a running club this way. However, if this fails, you can always start one yourself. Simply reach out to some friends, see if they’re interested in some group exercise, and begin to arrange runs.
You might arrange an early morning run before you all get ready for work, or a Sunday morning run club to begin the end of the weekend in a healthy and wholesome manner.
The Rewards of Running
Social running clubs are more than just a way to stay fit—they’re a boost for your mind, body, and spirit. From making new friends to staying motivated with group support, the benefits go far beyond the finish line. Whether you’re joining an existing club or starting your own, it’s a fantastic way to turn running into a rewarding social experience.
