7 Benefits Of Running With A Group Or Buddy
If you’re considering joining a running club, you’re not alone. According to Running USA, the number of running club members in the United States alone has increased by over 25% in the past five years, and that number is growing steadily.
Whether you team up with a friend or find an organized group, running with others can transform your experience – helping you to stay motivated, push yourself, and get the absolute most out of your running journey.
Here are seven reasons why running with others might be just the boost you need!
Keeps you motivated and accountable
The first benefit of running with a group or a friend is that it keeps you motivated and holds you accountable.
Whether it’s the excitement of meeting up or the fear of letting anyone down, running with a group is a great form of encouragement to get out the door – even on those days when you’d much rather flop on the sofa. Knowing someone is waiting for you makes it much harder to skip a session.
Improves your performance
Running with a group is an excellent way to improve your running performance. When you run with others, you naturally push yourself to keep up, which can help with clocking faster speeds and tackling longer distances. And friendly competition within a group can also give you the extra drive to hit your personal bests.
Many running groups include runners with different levels of experience, so you can learn from those who’ve been running for years too. Whether it’s advice on training plans, running form, or gear, there’s always something new to take away.
Check out our guide on how to track your running progress for tips to help you monitor your performance and improvement.
Makes running more fun
At FunRun, we’re all about making running more fun, and running with a group is a surefire way to boost your enjoyment.
In a group you can meet new people, have good chats, and even make lifelong friends. Many groups organize themed runs, social events, or even post-run coffee meetups, turning your workout into something you genuinely look forward to. It’s a great way to mix fitness with fun.
Plus, celebrating milestones – like completing a tough run or hitting a personal best – feels even better when shared with others who understand your journey.
Keeps things fresh
Do you ever get tired of the same routes and routines? Running with a group is the perfect way to shake things up.
When you run with a group, other members may introduce you to new running routes – like scenic trails, hidden paths, or parks you’ve never explored. Groups often rotate meeting spots too, so every run feels like a mini adventure. This variety not only keeps things fresh but also prevents burnout and keeps your enthusiasm high.
Boosts your mental health
The combination of social interaction and exercise is great for reducing stress and improving your mood. Running with others can also be a good cure for feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly during the colder, darker months. It gives you the chance to connect with others and share a sense of community.
Additionally, knowing others are counting on you to show up can provide structure and purpose to your routine. And let’s not forget the endorphin boost – running with others can amplify that runner’s high, leaving you feeling accomplished and positive!
Find out more about how running benefits your mental health.
Helps you train for races with confidence
Training for a race or an event can be overwhelming when you’re doing it alone. Running groups often train together for upcoming events, making the process less intimidating and much more fun.
They’ll often organize training plans in the lead-up to a specific event, with sessions focused on building endurance, speed, and stamina – so you’ll get some great guidance as you train. And by training with others, you’ll have the chance to share tips, compare progress, and even run the race together!
Keeps you safe
Whether you’re running long distances, following remote trails, or heading out in the dark, running with others can reduce risks and keep you safe on your running adventures.
There’s safety in numbers, and it’s also reassuring to have someone there if you twist an ankle or run into unexpected challenges on the route.
How to find a running group
Finding a running group is easier than you might think! Start by checking local community boards, running stores, or gyms – they often have information on local running groups. Social media platforms and apps are also great for connecting with nearby runners and clubs.
If you prefer something more casual, ask friends, colleagues, or neighbors if they’d like to join you. The key is to find a buddy or group that matches your pace, suits your schedule, and aligns with your goals.
Ready to start running with others?
As you’ve seen, running with a group offers benefits spanning motivation, connection, performance, and fun! Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming to improve your performance or a beginner looking for support, finding a running buddy or joining a group could be a game-changer!
Need an extra boost? Discover more in our guide on the health benefits of running or check out our article on how to stay motivated as a runner.
