As the trend of “Running is the New Dating App” gains momentum, it has brought about a significant shift in the running community. What was once a purely community-driven activity is now increasingly seen as an opportunity for socializing and dating. While this trend offers new ways to connect, it also introduces risks for vulnerable runners who seek the health benefits, sense of community, and personal safety that running with a group traditionally provides. Let’s dive into how this trend is affecting the running scene and what we can do to keep it safe and welcoming for everyone.
Running has evolved from a solitary pursuit during the pandemic to a vibrant social activity. The running community is a great place to meet people and make friends, and sometimes those friendships authentically turn romantic. However, the emergence of running groups and clubs specifically identifying as “single meetups” has transformed the landscape. Social media and dating apps have further fueled this trend, making it easier for people to connect over their shared interests of pounding the pavement. For many, these groups offer increased motivation, the chance to form new friendships, and even romantic relationships. The post pandemic running community has flourished, with events and group runs becoming social highlights.
However, this shift has also brought challenges. Vulnerable runners — people new to running, women, and those seeking community for safety purposes — often find themselves at risk. Instances of harassment, unwanted advances, and safety concerns have become more frequent. The pressure to conform to social expectations and dating pressure can lead to stress and anxiety, undermining the mental health benefits that running traditionally offers. Additionally, using a running club as a dating pool, especially if it isn’t a “singles” identified run club, can fragment the dynamics of running groups and turn what should be a supportive community into an uncomfortable and unsafe environment, disrupting the run club experience for others.
Not all running groups have adopted this new social focus. Historical run groups in Toronto, such as my own run crew Kardia, and groups like Night Terrors, and Parkdale Road Runners, have existed for more than a decade on the foundation of community and creating safe and inclusive spaces. These groups prioritize the well-being and safety of their members, fostering a sense of belonging and support without the pressure of social or romantic expectations.
Moreover, women-founded run communities like Kardia, Black Runners of the GTA, The Trail Collective, Chix Run The 6ix, Badass Lady Gang, and Stridewise have been instrumental in providing a safe place void of potential harassment and unwanted attention. These groups emphasize inclusivity and safety, ensuring that all members, particularly women, can enjoy their runs without fear of unwanted advances. By creating a supportive environment on the roads and on the trails, these groups help maintain the true spirit of crew running—community, healthy living, and personal challenge.
To address these issues, runners and running groups can take several steps. For individual runners, setting clear boundaries and staying aware of one’s comfort levels are crucial. Running groups should prioritize creating inclusive and respectful environments and make sure these expectations are shared with attendees. This includes establishing codes of conduct, providing channels for reporting harassment, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. Organizers, leaders, and participants all play a role in maintaining a healthy running culture that supports everyone’s needs.
The running community is a fantastic place to meet people and make friends, and sometimes those friendships naturally evolve into romantic relationships. However, when running clubs are treated as dating pools, especially if they aren’t specifically “singles” events, it can make the experience uncomfortable and unsafe for others. Running offers numerous benefits beyond finding a date, including mental and physical health improvements and a strong sense of community. Dating around non-singles run clubs undermines these benefits and can spoil the experience for other members. By promoting awareness and implementing proactive measures, we can ensure that running remains a safe, supportive, and inclusive activity for all. Let’s work together to preserve the true spirit of running and create an environment where all runners can thrive.
Heather Gardner is active on social media from her account, @catchingheather and @kardiaathletica on Instagram.
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