So… what’s the deal with joining a run club? The groups are earning a cult-like following of members who look almost too cool to sweat (and also likely have a $200-too-expensive membership at Equinox). These fitness-focused crews have taken over workout culture. From Miami to New York to LA, run clubs have earned thousands of fans in what feels like just a few short years. But what is it about them that has people racing to join? Is it the exclusive culture? The thrill of running alongside people dressed in Alo Yoga and smelling of Kiehls and MALIN+GOETZ? The jury is still out.
The Run Club Stereotypes
There’s been much debate over whether run clubs are just glorified dating clubs. Some have admitted to kissing Raya goodbye and sprinting to delete Hinge, trading dating apps for the new girl in town: their local run club. With gatherings resembling the line for The Highlight Room, it’s no wonder singles flock to these clubs in search of their perfect match. Some even have dress codes where runners are asked to wear specific colors based on their dating status. For example, Lunge Run Club—created by the fitness-focused dating app Lunge—hosts exclusive meetups for singles, where attendees wear black to signify romantic availability (though emotional availability is not required). On the flip side, many view run clubs as places for community and safety, not romance. So, if black means single and blue means in a relationship, what color says, ‘I’m just here for a workout’?
Another common trope of run clubs is how easily members become consumed by them—turning every post on social media into a running update. We get it, you run! And we’re proud of you for sticking to your fitness goals, but we don’t need to hear about your latest PR (personal record, for the non-runners). We’re sure it was just as impressive as yesterday’s, and the day before that, and the one before that. If you absolutely can’t resist sharing your latest mile time, maybe add some variety to your story. So please, we’re begging you—leave it at the finish line.
Joining A Run Club
Despite run clubs becoming a dime-a-dozen—with many clubs meeting on an IYKYK basis and having an RSVP link instead of a sign-up sheet (not available on ClassPass)—their often exclusive culture can make them intimidating to join. In New York, there’s Dirty Bird, Brooklyn Track Club, One Love Run Club and Old Man Run Club. For LA, you could try Venice Run Club or Midnight Runners LA. Miami also has a lot of them, with Brickell Run Club, Late Night Menu Crew, No RSVP, Coconut Grove Run Club and Below Average Running. Additionally, you can look at Endorphins Running By New Balance or Nike Run Club.
Find a club that suits you (there are plenty to choose from), and remember, you’re more than just your score—take it at your own pace. Who knows, one day you might even get to tell your kids how mommy and daddy met on mile six.
