Early on Saturday mornings, as I walk the local trails, I often see a strange sight. Groups of young adults in matching t-shirts gather to warm up, asking each other their names before they start.

At first, I thought it was a marathon club. But when I saw them all rushing to a coffee shop afterward, I realized they weren't just there to exercise.

It's now common in the news that run clubs have become a new meeting place for young people in America. There are even claims that they are choosing run clubs over dating apps, so I decided to check the numbers.

According to Strava's annual report released at the end of 2024, participation in running clubs increased by 59 percent over the year. This shift indicates a move away from competitive running towards a more communal experience.

The same report found that one in five Gen Z respondents had gone on a date with someone they met while exercising. There was also a finding that they were four times more likely to be encouraged to meet people through exercise than at bars.

The 2025 report showed an even clearer trend. The number of clubs on Strava surpassed one million, and the number of new running clubs was 3.5 times higher than the previous year.

Gen Z's rate of meeting people through exercise was 39 percent higher than that of Gen X. Looking at the numbers, it's clear that exercise has become a social activity for the younger generation.

On the flip side, there's the fatigue from dating apps. A survey by Forbes Health found that 78 percent of dating app users reported feeling burned out, with that number rising to 79 percent among Gen Z.

The reasons were specific. Many cited a lack of meaningful connections, repeated disappointments, exhaustion from rejection, and the monotony of the same conversations.

It's understandable when you think about it. Choosing someone based on a few photos and a short bio, then having conversations that often fizzle out can wear anyone down.

Run clubs have flipped that process on its head. You start by running together, and even if you're out of breath and can't talk, it doesn't feel awkward. After a few weeks, faces and names become familiar.

It's significant that it's not a place for evaluating each other. Since the goal is exercise, there's no need to impress anyone, and meeting in a sweaty state leaves little room for pretense.

There's also an analysis suggesting that more young people are looking for social gatherings without alcohol. Choosing a healthy 5-kilometer run in the morning air is certainly a better option than paying for expensive drinks and trying to talk over loud music at a bar.

However, I want to distance myself from the view that run clubs are solely about dating. In the same Strava survey, 58 percent of respondents said they made new friends through exercise, with that number rising to 66 percent among Gen Z.

So the key is closer to building relationships than just dating. I believe this generation, which has spent more time alone since COVID, has found a structure to meet the same people at a set time each week.

You can easily find such gatherings in this area as well. In Fairfax, Pacesetters Running hosts free group runs almost every day, and Reston Runners is a large club with over 800 members.

There are also social run groups that start and end at breweries. Many welcome walkers without regard to speed, making it less intimidating for beginners.

When I hear stories from second-generation Korean Americans who have come here for federal or defense-related jobs, they often say there aren't many places to meet people outside of work. It's true that options were limited unless you were part of a church youth group.

For those friends, run clubs could be a great opportunity. It doesn't matter if they're comfortable with English or not; running together is the main thing.

Of course, it's hard to say that run clubs have completely replaced dating apps. The Strava numbers are based on their app users, and many people likely use dating apps while also participating in run clubs.

Additionally, since it's a setting for meeting strangers, basic caution is necessary. It's best to start with larger, official gatherings and to exchange personal contact information slowly.

I also took a break from exercising for a while due to knee issues, but when I started walking again, I found that having someone to meet made it much easier to keep going.

I learned then that having someone to support you is just as important as your own willpower when it comes to getting back up after falling. I think that's ultimately the strength that run clubs offer to young people.

Meeting someone who's catching their breath next to you instead of just a profile on a screen seems less like a grand cultural phenomenon and more like a return to the way people have always met each other.

As October brings cooler morning temperatures, it's the perfect season for running. With less sweat and the fall colors starting to show on the trails, now is a great time to give it a try.

If your child complains about not having places to meet people these days, I think sending them a link to a local run club is better than suggesting a dating app. Even if dating doesn't work out, they'll still gain health and friendships.

I expect to see that group in their t-shirts on the trail again this weekend. This time, I won't just pass by; I'll ask where they meet.