New York City's dating landscape is evolving, with organized run clubs becoming a prominent social scene for singles. These fitness groups, often referred to as "run-and-raves," are attracting thousands of Gen Z and millennials seeking healthy and unique ways to connect with others, moving away from traditional nightlife and dating apps.
Lunge Run Club, founded by Steve Cole, operates as "a social club disguised as a fitness club," aiming to provide a space for young adults, typically between 24 and 35, to meet like-minded individuals. The club organizes weekly three-mile runs in Manhattan at a relaxed pace, encouraging participants to engage and socialize without headphones. These runs are followed by "afters," which can range from casual drinks at local pubs to EDM raves. Cole stated that the goal is to offer an alternative to the nightlife-centric social scene in New York, catering to those who prioritize health and wellness.
"In the old days, people used to meet at church or work, and since a lot of people care about health and wellness now and prioritize it, it creates a dating pool for them," Cole explained. Lunge Run Club also diversifies its events with activities like HYROX-specific singles events and Knicks watch parties. With some events drawing up to 1,000 runners, Cole noted that the club has facilitated relationships, with some members becoming engaged after meeting through the group. For those who don't find a connection during a run, Lunge offers a dating app where users can match before arranging a run as a first date.
Jaclyn Monroe, a user, shared that she found a person she had noticed at the gym through the Lunge app. Leena Vyas, another runner, wrote about meeting her boyfriend and new friends through the club after moving to college in a new state. Cole added that even if no romantic connection is made, participants still benefit from a workout.
Another group, Almost Friday Run Club (AFRC), meets weekly for a 1.5-mile run followed by coffee. Founded by Ben Lorry, Victor Zeitoune, and Jack Dweck, AFRC typically attracts 50 to 100 participants in their 20s and 30s. The founders created the club as a way to stay active after graduating from college sports and found an organic community of runners in the city. "Building a social circle in this city is harder than people expect," Lorry said. "We’ve become a place where newcomers can immediately feel like they’re a part of something."
AFRC incorporates a walk break during runs to facilitate conversation and has organized various events, including a "Beer Mile," celebrity after-run parties hosted by DJs like Diplo, and collaborations like a "Will Run for Wine" 5K. Dweck observed that while nightlife has long been a primary social outlet for young people, there's a growing desire to balance that with other activities. "A run club doesn’t replace those experiences; it complements them," he stated.
The founders of AFRC have witnessed members build entire friend groups after moving to New York without knowing anyone. "New Yorkers still want to go out. They still want energy, community, and spontaneity," Lorry remarked. "A run club just gives you another way to get those things. You can meet 100 people on a Thursday morning, get coffee afterward, and still have your entire day ahead of you."