Members of run clubs are looking for new ways to socialise beyond the workplace, friend circles and dating apps
For Arvind Srikanth, co-founder of 56 Run Club, fitness spaces are increasingly taking on the role once played by traditional social venues. Sidharth adds that the typical age group at his club is 20 to 35. At 56 Run Club, millennials and Gen Z make up much of the 25 to 35 demographic, says Arvind. Arvind Srikanth, Co-Founder, 56 Run Club The ritual after the run: Coffee, conversations and connections For Sidharth, the café stop is an integral part of the experience. “You don’t have to give your 100%. Just pace yourself to 70% or 75%. Neera Katwal, Coach, Champions Top spots for morning runs Cubbon Park Lalbagh Botanical Garden Sankey Road Indiranagar–Domlur HSR Layout Agara Lake Kaikondrahalli Lake Bengaluru Run Club Guide For beginners: Look for clubs that offer walkers, multiple pace groups and a no-pressure atmosphere For the social experience: Pick runs that include a café stop, breakfast, games or a post-run hangout Typical turnout: Around 30 to 50 runners at smaller clubs, with 100+ at larger weekend events What to expect: A warm-up, group run and cool-down, followed by time to socialise City-smart tip: Start early, run in groups and stick to familiar, safer routes You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
“Now it’s about bringing people together where they can stay active, meet friends and have fun,” he says. At HSR Run Club, what began as “a small group of people who just wanted to stay consistent” has grown into “a strong community where people support each other and celebrate milestones together,” says founder Deekshith Gowda. Maninder Singh, co-founder of Main Mission (formerly Indiranagar Run Club), says people are looking for social spaces outside work and nightlife. We organise social mixers for founders too,” he says. “Many are working professionals looking for new ways to socialise beyond the workplace, friend circles and dating apps,” he shares. Everyone can run at their own pace and still be part of the same community,” says Deekshith. That’s the rule we follow,” he says. At 56 Run Club, Arvind says, “Many friendships and business connections have blossomed over the last two years. ” Deekshith has seen a similar pattern at HSR Run Club. Over time, he says, friendships have formed, business connections have developed and runners have found support systems beyond fitness. Coach Neera Katwal of Champions says, “Running helps people stay more active, build confidence and develop a routine. Maninder Singh, Co-Founder, Main Mission Bengaluru through a runner’s eyes “Bengaluru has a wonderful running culture,” says Neera. Maninder, who has been running in the city for over two years, says, “It is a beautiful city to run in for sure… Deekshith Gowda, Founder, HSR Run Club More than miles: Building the body and mind “Every runner is different,” Neera says. Deekshith says HSR Run Club focuses on creating a “non-judgmental environment”. “Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” says Sidharth, an ISSA-certified coach. He says, “Running is a solo activity that can teach people to push past barriers they did not know they could clear.
As dawn breaks over Bengaluru on weekends, running routes across the city become more than workout tracks. From the tree-lined stretches of Cubbon Park to the loops of Sankey Road and Kaikondrahalli Lake, runners gather not just to clock kilometres but to meet people. Somewhere between the first kilometre and the post-run coffee, strangers become familiar faces, regulars become friends, and running becomes a gateway to a wider social circle. Run clubs: The bustling social circle in the city Sidharth Yadav, founder of Stride Run Club, has watched Bengaluru’s running culture evolve over the years. Many clubs now pair running and walking with social activities such as pottery workshops and perfume-making sessions. Real community and real bonds form after the run — when people are winding down, chilling, and talking to each other. Sidharth Yadav, Founder, Stride Run Club The Gen Z and millennial runner For many younger runners, the appeal extends beyond fitness. “These runs are a social set up where you get to meet like-minded people. HSR Run Club, meanwhile, sees a broader mix. “We see people across different age groups, from Gen Z and millennials to Gen X. Running has become a new weekend third space for people. “Every run has to end at a café. He structures runs around icebreakers, mini-games and multiple pace groups, ensuring beginners aren’t left behind. “After the run, people meet over breakfast or a cup of coffee. And that’s where real community bonds form,” Sidharth adds. “Many people come for the run, but stay for the community. And along the way, they make friends and find a community that keeps them coming back. A lot of runners end up hiring each other or working together. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday morning. “The weather, particularly in the early mornings, makes it possible to run comfortably for much of the year. We would love better footpaths, better passages for runners and cyclists to go wherever they want to, but that progress has to happen over time. ” For Deekshith, infrastructure remains the biggest challenge. “Lack of proper footpaths, traffic at certain locations, and safety concerns can make running difficult. That’s why we encourage runners to choose safer routes, run in groups, and start early whenever possible,” he explains. Running allows you to notice parts of the city that you would normally miss while driving. Her group follows science-backed training, while celebrating incremental improvements. “We celebrate small improvements. I award my team T-shirts when they achieve milestones and personal best times. “We make sure nobody gets left behind. Experienced runners often slow down, share tips, and encourage beginners throughout the run,” he adds. That is the real secret to sustainability, in running and in life,” he adds. For Arvind, running is “more of a mental activity. Many women trainees have improved their PCOD symptoms and fertility through running. Watching that change has been the most fulfilling part of running. Download the TOI App.
He describes today’s clubs as the fourth generation since the 1960s — “but the first that’s inclusive and beginner-friendly.