A fresh wave of young runners are hitting the pavements, and it’s all thanks to the power of social media, real-life community connections, and a growing appetite for better health.
A recent study by LADbible of 1,537 people in the UK aged 18 to 30 found that nearly half of Gen Z (49%) put on their trainers for a workout at least once a month.
What’s even more striking is that nearly one in four (23%) have only taken up running in the past two years—a surge that’s clearly here to stay.
The Social Spark
For many young adults today, running isn’t just about logging solo miles. The survey found that 75% of Gen Z prefer to run with someone else—often to meet new people rather than improve their personal bests.
In fact, 72% of these runners join clubs primarily for social reasons. It’s hardly surprising, then, that over a third of Gen Zers are open to trying a run club but may just need a little nudge.
More than one in five Gen Zers are calling run clubs “the new dating app,” highlighting how hitting the pavement together has become a fresh way to meet people and build friendships.
Influenced by Tech and Trends
Social media platforms are fuelling this movement, with 63% of Gen Zers discovering running products and ideas on sites like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Their feeds are packed with training tutorials (69%), nutrition advice (52%), motivational posts (45%), and relatable running content (42%). They’re not shy about sharing, either—65% of young runners say they post about their workouts online.
From posting progress updates and personal bests to uploading running videos, social media has become the go-to source of both inspiration and accountability.
Gear and Gadgets
Although the average Gen Z runner is willing to spend around £300 on kit, nearly a third (28%) hold off until they’re more serious about the sport.
Smartwatches are another key piece of the puzzle; seven in ten Gen Zers wear them to track their pace and distance. Platforms like Strava, which rewards users with “kudos,” make running feel more communal.
Indeed, 77% of young runners say they feel more connected when they see friends’ activities online, proving that community feedback plays a major role in keeping them motivated.
A Look Ahead
For Gen Z, running is so much more than just exercise—it’s a whole vibe. Whether they’re jogging with mates at a local run club, posting their latest PBs on Instagram, or obsessing over stats on their smartwatches, young runners are flipping the script on what it means to stay active.
It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the connections, the community, and the buzz of sharing progress with others. If this trend is anything to go by, we’re about to see even more fresh trainers hitting the streets, chasing not just fitness goals but friendships and shared experiences.
For Gen Z, running isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle—and one that feels as social as it does personal.