Dating in this digital age has proven to be more trouble than it’s worth. However, running clubs may be the answer everyone needed.
Dating apps continue to decline as users voice their complaints about social platforms oversaturating the industry and companies gatekeeping potential matches behind a paywall. Hinge, Bumble, Tinder and other dating apps are striving to reinvent themselves to appease singles.
Hinge, the dating app “designed to be deleted,” previously faced scrutiny from users who accused the platform of hiding their attractive prospects behind its premium versions. Bumble, which creators launched in 2014 to challenge heterosexual dating norms, set itself apart by giving women the ability to make the first move. In May, however, the dating app changed their formula excluding the requirement.
In another effort to respond to women’s dating frustrations, the latest addition to Bumble’s rebrand did not resonate with users. Shortly after announcing the change in their app, Bumble received immense backlash for a celibacy ad campaign that critics claimed shamed people for not having sex.
As dating apps scramble to rebrand and meet consumers’ current needs, people are ditching the online platforms. Now, the dating world is transitioning back to in-person meetups, with running clubs growing in popularity as a way for young singles to find love.
Why Are People Using Run Clubs To Find Partners?
Running clubs have become popular for single people to find love. These organizations have become a way for others to engage in person without going through the hurdles of coordinating a meetup. Running is an intense exercise. Bonds are developed between community members as they endure the hardship together.
People are in a vulnerable position while running. Sweating and breathing heavily between distances is not the most romantic state to be in. It’s especially not ideal when potentially running beside a future partner. However, at these clubs, everyone is experiencing those same bodily responses, helping to remove the pressure of looking your best.
These clubs can also be an environment of encouragement as runners empower each other to finish the route. The communal aspect of running clubs makes room for connection and developing deeper relationships through consistent meetups.
How To Join
Before joining a running club, it is essential to determine if it is beginner-friendly or tailored to experienced runners. Some organizations focus on the social aspect, whereas others train for races or marathons. While a Google search helps find local clubs, take your research a step further by looking at their socials. Scrolling through the organization’s feed, reading through comments, and seeing how they engage with their community gives more insight into what to expect.