Stronger Together: The Run Club Effect

Running is often viewed as a solo act— a runner and the open road, lost in their thoughts or focused purely on their technical performance. However, running can be communal, fostering connection and camaraderie among individuals with different backgrounds and motivations to run. 

Involvement in Run Clubs is soaring. Outdoor retail shops or running-based nonprofits often host these run clubs. Strava, a social platform that allows people to track and share their activities, reported a 59 percent increase in users’ participation in run clubs in 2024—suggesting that people are increasingly interested in outdoor activity as a means of social connection and community. Here is how running clubs can impact outdoor retail while also fostering communities. 

Running Clubs and Outdoor Retail: A Natural Partnership

As running clubs grow, so does the demand for quality running goods. Outdoor retail stores are uniquely positioned to meet this need by catering directly to runners, but beyond just selling these products; these stores have the opportunity to become integral hubs for local running communities. 

Many retailers already embrace this role, through hosting weekly group runs, offering running clinics, and sponsoring races. These efforts develop a win-win dynamic: where runners gain access to expert advice and gain knowledge on specialized products, and stores benefit from increased exposure and customer loyalty. This partnership leads to stronger brand relationships.

This makes the relationship between hosting run clubs and outdoor retail stores cyclical. As more runners engage in clubs, the need for gear grows, driving sales for retailers. In response, retailers who invest in community-building initiatives encourage further awareness and involvement in run clubs. This positive relationship strengthens community, running-culture, and the outdoor industry. 

The Broader Impact: Community Through Outdoor Activities

Running clubs are part of a larger movement of people seeking community through outdoor activities. This same sense of camaraderie found in running groups can extend to other outdoor pursuits, like hiking or biking. Retailers who recognize this can expand their offerings to support different kinds of outdoor recreations, which creates even more opportunities for connection and business growth. 

This growing sense of outdoor community has benefits beyond fostering community and increasing profits. Run clubs often encourage members to get involved in local causes, like trial cleanups and fundraising events. These activities form a deeper connection to the outdoors and inspire participants to become stewards of their environment.

Final Thoughts

This surge of involvement in run clubs is more than a mere trend— it’s a beneficial movement that blends fitness, community, and environmental causes. Outdoor retail stores have the unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in this growth as both resource providers and community hubs.

By hosting run clubs, outdoor stores can evolve into gathering places, rather than commercial spaces. Outdoor retailers can not only boost their bottom line but contribute to a thriving culture of connection and outdoor engagement– it’s a powerful way to bring people together while creating a lasting impact.