Organizers and members of Black run clubs react to the speculation about what’s going on in run clubs sweeping the nation.
At the crack of dawn or maybe just as twilight begins to paint the evening in the sky, thousands of coeds in cities and towns across the country show up on street corners or in parks in their spandex, tank tops, sports bras, and tennis shoes to run—and they promise that’s all they’re doing.
Since early spring, there have been theories circulating online that as there has been a boom in run clubs, they are suddenly the newest way to meet potential hookups.
“I think it’s funny, but sad,” Divine-Asia Planes, 40, a member and pacer in Harlem Run based in New York City, said by phone on Wednesday.
She explained that in her club, when the misconceptions come up in discussion, they always teasingly say that must be some other group, “because that’s not what our group is about, and a lot of the other run groups I go to, they’re not about that. They’re just literally there for the love of the run.”
Many organizers and members, while amused, and even those who have truly made friends and more by joining them, agree that the misconceptions swirling around online are a little weird and miss the point behind why they exist, particularly when it comes to Black run clubs.
While it may feel like run clubs are the latest craze online, organizers will tell you this boom has been years in the making, and it gained even more momentum during the pandemic when meeting up for runs outdoors became one of the only safe ways to gather. Since then, their rise has only continued with social media playing a huge part. It’s also presently marathon training season when many individuals who are so inclined are preparing to run marathons for various reasons and causes.
Despite the picture some of the discourse has painted, run clubs are about running first and foremost; they’re also about building and maintaining community, and establishing a sense of accountability towards fitness. Women join them because there’s safety in numbers. Men join them for the sense of camaraderie. Parents bring their children for a family fun and fit way to connect. Planes noted joining Harlem Run helped her gain her confidence in running, especially in the evening in New York.
“The people are looking for a sense of community, are looking for a way to get fit, stay fit, and be active. Sometimes they just want to hang out with other people and be outside. I know that was my reason,” Planes noted.
Black run clubs only amplify the safety and comfort of Black runners by being welcoming spaces for Black culture.
“Black people are communal people naturally,” said Isa Olufemi, 45, the founder of the Black Run Organization (BRO) in Baltimore, Maryland. “Isolation is really not our thing it’s really not good for us.”
He added that of Black run clubs, “What makes us unique is that we’re culturally centered.”
Meanwhile, Planes added that she feels like she sees herself better when she’s running with Black running clubs.
“When I say I see myself, not just the color of my skin, but my body type,” she explained. “I’m in a bigger body, so it’s like a lot of people have the conception of runners are always skinny and tiny. No, body types all over that could run, walk, whatever. So I like the black brown groups because I definitely see myself in the different body types. I definitely feel more comfortable because a lot of times it’s surrounded by women who are very, very encouraging and men who are very motivating. It’s just it’s just a great experience.”
When it comes to the perceptions online, both Planes and Olufemi found it amusing, but Planes said it missed the mark of what’s going on. Olufemi noted that, of course, when you gather any group of people for any common thing they have in common, there are opportunities to meet more people you have this in common with but that’s not the basis or foundation for why anyone really joins and keeps showing up.
“If you are going to a space where people are taking distance running seriously, but you are there to be a playboy, you out of sync,” Olufemi said.
If you’re wondering about joining one, despite the misconceptions that lurk, Planes said social media is a great way to scope out the vibe before you attend a meet-up. Olufemi said interested people are encouraged to do their research and even reach out directly to organizers for more information. Clubs span very different styles and levels at times and are run by people of all backgrounds and ages.
“As a run, as a leader, I love those questions,” he said.
Otherwise, you risk showing up to a vibe that may not work for you.
“If I’m 35 and I don’t like how a run club is led by a 22-year-old, you understand that’s kind of my fault,” he said, adding, “Do [your] research.”
Olufemi also warns that when looking for specifically for Black run clubs, there is a difference between “Black clubs” and “Black-led” clubs. According to him, there are some clubs that may use the look and feel of Black people at the helm to cultivate spaces that are either more diverse or not predominantly Black whatsoever.
The good news? There are now hundreds upon hundreds of run clubs to choose from. So whether you’re chasing a marathon medal, new friends, or something else, you’ll probably find your people.