Just One Run Club meets every month with a training plan and run clinics. Photographed by Artu Nepomuceno for the May 2025 Issue of Vogue Philippines
No matter the pace, the road remains the same, yet running has redefined spaces, transforming them into hubs of connection.
Late last year, a flurry of viral posts playfully suggested that Strava had become the latest “dating app,” with the growing popularity of run clubs serving as its social hub. Some dismissed the notion, some joked at it lightly, and perhaps it may have been the reason they laced up their running shoes in the first place.
From monthly meetups like the Just One Run Club and Red Light Run Club to more established communities like the Rockwell Club, these groups have evolved into tight-knit social ecosystems. With thousands participating in these events, a deeper sociological perspective through the lens of collective action theory, reveals that running as a social activity extends far beyond dating. It may present just one angle to a bigger shift in ways of moving, connecting, and engaging.
For many, these running groups started off organically as pandemic restrictions eased in 2022. Justin Lu and Gaea Marañon of The Usuals, along with a few friends, began running and cycling within their neighborhood, seeking an outlet after months of isolation. Running provided the space to create social ties. Meeting your neighbors becomes so easy knowing you can stop, chat, or share the same route; something that would have been impossible from behind a car window.
Running also demands a level of vulnerability. To push the pace down to the end bares your weak state; you’re sweaty, red as a tomato, even puffing out steam. Although Justin and Gaea recognize how this has contributed to their bond as a team, “You can’t fake it when you’re pushing the edge of your limits. Sports makes people more authentic to who they are, more real.”
Beyond fitness, these groups function as a modern third space, a setting outside work and home where people can connect. With running’s low barrier to entry and the inclusivity of these groups, it’s such a holistic way to create meaningful connection while putting those miles in.
For many urban dwellers, running in the city, especially within major roads might seem implausible, too dangerous, or too chaotic. To guide groups of hundreds of runners throughout the urban landscape, run clubs take extensive planning to ensure their routes are safe. Cubao Run Club takes this to public transport in their urban run, taking the train to start running from one end to another, passing through footbridges and terminals.
Some routes cross major highways like EDSA or rivers through the bridges, reappropriating what French sociologist Bourdieu would call “cultural capital” where environments gain new meaning. Digital platforms also accelerate this, with Strava’s heat map, when focused on running and walking, shows what routes are actually possible in Metro Manila.
“Running isn’t just about speed, it’s about discovering hidden corners of the city. When you’re on the road at a slower pace, you notice things you’d never see in a car.”
Reappropriating these urban spaces transform its meanings both ways, for runners, they discover a new café or appreciate new products in a convenience store, shopkeepers might be more inclined to provide alfresco areas or partner up with clubs for events.
“Running isn’t just about speed, it’s about discovering hidden corners of the city,” Gaea shares. “When you’re on the road at a slower pace, you notice things you’d never see in a car.”
Urban running has become this chance to step foot in places for the first time. Miguel Aldeguer of EZRC saw this as a fun challenge during his long runs, “I started designing routes where I couldn’t pass the same street twice; it turned the city into a playground, from Pasig to Makati to Mandaluyong.”
On the other hand, it also unravels the limitations of our current infrastructure, and how car-centric these paths have proven themselves to be. As Miguel puts it, “Sidewalks are narrow, and navigating the roads can be risky. Our runs often feel like a negotiation with the environment.”
As more cities introduce car-free weekends and pedestrianized zones, the demand for safer, more accessible spaces becomes clearer. Studies have shown that pedestrian-friendly areas not only enhance public health but also boost local businesses, creating economic incentives for more widespread implementation.
Social media has played a pivotal role in the exponential rise of running communities. Miguel even acknowledges this to EZRC’s success, “We streamlined everything on Instagram; it’s organic and attracts the people who align with our ethos.”
This accessibility has made it easier than ever to find a club that aligns with individual goals, whether it’s training for a first 5K, tackling a half marathon across different cities, or pushing limits with intense workouts. However, the influx of trends also necessitates caution. Fortunately, these communities help facilitate the sharing of resources on how to properly warm up, prepare for a race or structuring a training.
In Metro Manila, where life can be fast-paced and space scarce, running offers more than physical fitness; it provides community, mindfulness, and a chance to reclaim our environment.
For some like Miguel, the reason for running has changed from a hyper-competitive athlete to a more leader-centric role. “When we started the club, the main driving factor was to share running with people,” he shares. For Justin and Gaea, while winning races remains a goal, the true victory lies in collective success. Each teammate’s dedication fuels the team’s drive.
At its core, running is still about enjoyment. The pain of a long run fades when shared with others who share the same sentiment. Whether running to heal, explore, or belong, these shared steps reflect a larger movement, one of collective progress and transformation.
