In New York City, run clubs are emerging as a novel social venue for young singles looking to combine fitness with opportunities to meet potential partners. Groups such as Lunge Run Club and Almost Friday Run Club are drawing millennials and Gen Z participants who prioritize health and wellness while seeking to expand their social circles.

Founded by Steve Cole, Lunge Run Club bills itself as “a social club disguised as a fitness club.” The club hosts weekly three-mile runs in Manhattan at a relaxed pace, encouraging participants to forgo headphones to facilitate conversation and connection. Following the runs, members often attend “afters,” which range from casual pub gatherings to electronic dance music events with live DJs. The club has attracted a significant following, with some events drawing as many as 1,000 runners.

Cole emphasized that the club serves as a space for like-minded individuals to meet outside traditional dating scenarios. “In the old days, people used to meet at church or work,” he said, noting how modern health and wellness culture now provides an alternative social environment. The club also offers a dating app, enabling members to swipe and arrange to run together on a first date. Some participants have reported successful long-term relationships originating from the club’s activities.

Similarly, the Almost Friday Run Club (AFRC), founded by Ben Lorry, Victor Zeitoune, and Jack Dweck, meets weekly for 1.5-mile runs near Morton Street and the West Side Highway, followed by casual coffee gatherings. The group typically attracts 50 to 100 young adults and was created to provide both a fitness outlet and an inclusive social setting, particularly for newcomers to the city. The organizers incorporate walk breaks into the run so participants have ample opportunity to engage in conversation.

AFRC also hosts themed events designed to blend athleticism and socializing, including a “Beer Mile” where runners consume beer during the race, and an annual “Cookie Run” ending at a partnering bakery. They have collaborated with local bars for events such as a “Will Run for Wine” 5K and hosted after-parties featuring well-known artists like DJ Diplo.

The founders of AFRC highlighted a shift in social preferences among young people who are seeking to balance nightlife with healthier, community-oriented activities. “For a long time, nightlife was the default social outlet,” Dweck said. “Now people are looking for ways to balance that out. A run club doesn’t replace those experiences; it complements them.”

As these run clubs continue to grow in popularity, they appear to offer a structured yet relaxed environment where fitness and social interaction intersect, reflecting evolving approaches to dating and community building in urban settings.