Dating apps have become a mainstay of modern romance, but for those who find the endless swiping exhausting, running has emerged as an alternative—albeit not in the way the cliché suggests. The idea of “run clubs as the new dating app” has been well-worn, yet beyond the trope lies a deeper truth: running brings people together in a way that no digital platform can ever replicate. It’s not about finding love; it’s about sharing a love for running, and sometimes, connections bloom naturally from that shared passion.
On Valentine’s Day, many people find themselves reflecting on relationships—whether they are happily single, looking for love, or simply wanting to enjoy the day doing something they love. For many, running offers an ideal way to unwind, fostering natural connections without the scripted pressures often associated with romance.
Running as a Social Connector
Running has always been a communal activity, recently through parkruns, local run clubs, or city marathons. The physical act of running alongside others creates a unique bond—a silent understanding between two people moving forward together. Unlike dating apps, where connection often feels transactional, running builds relationships organically.
Consider the ethos of parkrun, a global movement that fosters inclusivity and community spirit. Every Saturday morning, thousands of people lace up their shoes to cover 5km, not in competition but in companionship. It’s in these shared strides that people form friendships, and sometimes more. The unfiltered, sweat-drenched version of ourselves revealed in running allows for a level of authenticity rarely found in digital interactions.
The Story of Sandgate parkrun’s Valentines Event
One of the more creative ways running communities have tried to facilitate connection is through themed events. Sandgate parkrun in Queensland attempted to bring runners together in a lighthearted, structured way for the Saturday following Valentine’s Day 2025. Their plan was simple: a casual event where single runners could identify themselves with a wristband, subtly scope out fellow participants while running, and then join a post-run mingle with icebreaker activities. Names could be privately submitted to a host, who would later facilitate contact exchange only if both parties expressed mutual interest.
The concept was fun and community-driven. Unfortunately, parkrun Australia HQ intervened and requested that the event be cancelled, citing complaints and concerns about appropriateness. While their decision may have been rooted in parkrun’s mission to remain a non-commercial, purely fitness-focused initiative, the response from their community in a now deleted post was one of disappointment.
But as Sandgate parkrun cheekily pointed out, they can’t stop single runners from simply showing up the day after Valentine’s Day and gathering for coffee post-run. Because the magic of these connections doesn’t come from structured events alone—it happens naturally when people are brought together by shared passion.
More Than Romance: The Beauty of Running Communities
The intersection of running and relationships isn’t just about dating. Friendships form on the track, at weekend races, and in run clubs. Running provides a low-pressure space where people can bond over something other than small talk. The repetitive, meditative nature of running encourages deeper conversations, and the camaraderie of shared effort fosters mutual respect.
For those seeking companionship of any kind—romantic or platonic—running presents an organic alternative to apps, speed dating and an increasingly digital world. It removes the social façades people often maintain in more traditional meeting scenarios. There’s no carefully curated profile or witty opening line—just the raw, real version of yourself moving forward, step by step, with others doing the same.
A New Era of Connection
While parkrun HQ may have shut down Sandgate’s formal Valentine’s event, the essence of their idea remains powerful. Perhaps we don’t need organised matchmaking events in running; the magic already happens every weekend when runners meet at the start line and celebrate together at the finish.
If you’re tired of digital dating, don’t swap Tinder for a running club purely in search of romance—do it because you love to run. The right people will find you, not because an algorithm decided it, but because you share something real.
So this February, whether you’re single, coupled, or somewhere in between, consider the beauty of community over the pressures of romance. Show up at your local parkrun, join a running group, or sign up for that race you’ve been eyeing. Because the best connections—whether friendships, relationships, or simply the bond between fellow runners—are built not by searching, but by sharing a love of running.
