Should You Join That Running Club? 6 Pros and Cons

The allure of a running club is lost on many, especially runners who enjoy solitude or want to go at their own pace. For a beginner, the mere idea of going out to run comes with a whole lot of considerations: what to wear, where to go, what if it rains, etc. Throw “strangers” into the mix and those considerations multiply tenfold. So why do people join these groups? And should you? The following pros and cons can help you decide.

Showing up every day isn’t as easy as run-fluencers make it out to be. According to a 2022 study, the real challenge isn’t starting but maintaining a consistent regimen over time. The same study surveyed 800 runners and found that joining a sports club increases training frequency and provides the necessary social support to boost motivation.

If staying on top of your running schedule is your primary goal, a running club may give you the drive and accountability you need.

One of the fringe benefits of joining a running club is meeting new people –and getting dates! A New York City running club has been trending on social media for its Wednesday runs, during which, instead of wearing pink, members who are single wear black. The singles run gives members a chance to meet and possibly find dates. It probably won’t be long until the trend catches on in the Philippines. So go ahead and join that running group to get a head start.

The saying “there’s safety in numbers” applies to running, especially in the early morning or at night, or in shady areas if you’re a trail runner. Knowing you have a group of people with you might give you more confidence to head out at 5 a.m. or explore nicely paved but rather empty streets. It’s also good to have friends around in case of emergencies on the road.

Some running clubs are affiliated with organizations or companies that offer cool things to members, such as first dibs on sales, discounts on fitness gear or other sports clubs, and early access to running events. If you want to make running a lifestyle, these perks alone make signing up worthwhile.

There’s a big chance you’ll be hanging out with more experienced athletes, so be a sponge. Take this opportunity to ask for running tips or maybe look into getting a coach if you want to do long performance runs. If you plan on taking this new lifestyle seriously, you’ll need all the support you can get.

Look and feel your best during your run by showering before you go. Use Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash, which has a light, floral fragrance, or Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash with a fresh, green scent. Both deliver up to 24 hours of moisturization with a lightweight and easy-to-rinse formula that won’t leave you feeling sticky. Apply a few swipes of Rexona Roll On Powder Dry Brightening on your underarms for 72 hours of odor protection and brighter skin.

Don’t forget to hit the showers after, too! This will help prevent skin problems like bacne or sweat rashes.

Not really a con, but having to socialize during an already intense activity can be a bit too much for some. This doesn’t speak to their capabilities or their ability to be excellent runners – it’s simply a matter of preference. If you tend to worry about how others are doing (and how you are doing in comparison), it might be best to run solo for now.

You may think joining a running club is not for you, but with only one real con, it’s worth a shot. Who knows, you might not mind having the company or even grow to enjoy it. Most of them are free and require zero commitment – if you’re not having fun, you’re free to run away.