Running In A Group: 7 Top Reasons You Should Join

If you’re like most new runners, the idea of running in a group might intimidate you.

You’re not sure what to expect and you don’t want to look like an idiot.

But trust me, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Running with a group can actually be really fun and rewarding. Here are just seven reasons why you should give it a try.

What are the Benefits of Running in a Group?

You know there have to be at least a few benefits of running in a group. But there tends to be more than we initially think of.

These seven reasons might just convince you that you ought to get out with some running buddies!

1. Group Running Can Be More Fun and Motivating than Running Alone

If you find running solo to be a bit boring or dread running by yourself, then joining a group can help.

Running with others can make the time fly by and make the miles seem shorter. And when you’re running with friends or people with similar goals, it can be much more motivating than running alone.

If you’ve ever played a team sport you understand the feeling of camaraderie that can extend between a group of people. The same is true for a group of runners!

2. You Can Push Yourself Harder When You’re Running with Others

Running with others really can help you push yourself harder than you would when running alone.

When you see others running faster or further than you, it can inspire you to pick up the pace or go a bit further than you planned. And when you’re running with friends, you may be more likely to push yourself because you don’t want to let them down.

Often times this happens naturally for runners and you’ll begin to see your pace improve just by keeping up with your running buddies.

3. Group Runs Are a Great Way to Make New Friends Who Share Your Love of Running

One of the best things about running in a group is that it’s a great way to meet new people.

If you’re new to running or new to an area, joining a running group can help you meet like-minded people who share your love of running. And even if you’re not looking to make new friends, it can be nice to have some running buddies to chat with during your runs.

Seriously, have you ever tried to talk about your weekend long run with a non-runner friend? They generally aren’t very interested and it can really bog your excitement down.

4. Running in a Group Can Help You Stay Accountable and on Track with Your Fitness Goals

If you’re trying to get in shape or running for a specific goal, running with a group can help you stay on track.

When you know others are counting on you to show up for runs, you’re more likely to stick to your training plan. And when you see others making progress, it can motivate you to keep working hard toward your own goals.

So if you’ve been thinking about running in a group, there’s no reason not to give it a try. You may just find that it’s the best thing you ever did for your running.

5. There’s Safety in Numbers – If Something Happens While You’re Out Running, There Will Be Someone there to Help

Possibly the best thing about running in a group is that there’s safety in numbers.

If you’re running alone and something happens, there’s no one there to help.

But if you’re running with a group, someone will always be there to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s getting injured or being chased by a dog, running in a group can help keep you safe.

While safety remains a concern for all runners, women (like myself) often need to be more cautious when running alone. Rather than be worried on your run, find a local running group and avoid the issues altogether!

6. Group Runs Are a Great Opportunity to Learn from Other Runners and Improve Your Own Technique

If you’re looking to improve your running technique, group runs can be a great opportunity to learn from others.

When you’re running with experienced runners, you can pick up tips and tricks that you may not have learned on your own. Maybe you have a question about your stride or want advice on what fuel others find to be the best. This is the ultimate opportunity to ask other runners!

Even if you’re not looking to improve your technique, it can be fun to watch other runners and see how they do things differently from you.

7. Running in a Group Can Make Running Feel Less like a Chore and More like an Adventure

If you find that running has become a bit of a chore, running in a group can help. When you’re running with others, it can feel more like an adventure than a workout.

In my experience, most group runs happen in the early morning hours. I live in a city that generally sees a lot of tourists downtown during the evenings. Careening around the quiet and empty downtown streets early in the morning always feels like an adventure!

When you’re running with friends, you may be more likely to have fun and enjoy the experience.

So if you’re looking for a way to make running more fun and satisfying, running in a group may be the perfect solution.

Is Running with a Group Better than Running Solo?

When it comes to running, there are pros and cons to running in a group.

On the one hand, running with others can give you extra motivation to keep going when you might otherwise want to quit. It can also be more enjoyable to run with friends or fellow runners than to run alone.

On the other hand, running in a group can also be challenging. It can be difficult to find a running partner or group that is compatible with your running style and pace. In addition, running with others can sometimes be distracting, making it hard to stay focused on your run.

Ultimately, whether or not running in a group is better for you depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you are motivated by social interaction and enjoy running with others, then running in a group may be the best option for you.

However, if you prefer to run solo or find that running with others is too distracting, then running alone may be the better choice.

You don’t have much to lose by trying out a group run. In my opinion, even if you don’t end up liking it you still have the possibility of gaining new running friends after just one group run.

Is Running in a Group Easier?

There are a few reasons why running in a group can be easier than running alone.

First, you have others to motivate and encourage you. It can be helpful to have someone to push you when you’re feeling tired or like you can’t go on. I find this is especially true on extremely hot and humid days when you just want to stop.

Second, running with others can help the time go by more quickly. When you’re running alone, it’s easy to focus on how long you’ve been running and how much farther you have to go. But when you’re running with others, you’re more likely to get caught up in conversation and the miles will fly by.

Finally, running in a group can make the experience more enjoyable. Running can be a lonely activity if you’re doing it by yourself, but running with others can make it feel more like a social event.

Whether you’re running for fitness or competition, there are plenty of benefits to running in a group.

Is it Okay that I Prefer to Run Alone?

Of course, it’s fine if you prefer to run alone!

Some people find that running in a group helps them stay motivated and accountable, while others prefer the peace and quiet of running solo. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.

Running in a group can help you push yourself harder and stay on track with your training, but it can also be distracting and competitive.

Running alone can be more peaceful and relaxing, but it can also be easy to let yourself slack off.

Ultimately, the best approach is the one that works for you. If you’re getting what you need from running alone, then there’s no need to change things up. But if you’re finding that you’re not enjoying your runs as much as you used to, or you’re struggling to stay motivated, then running with a group may be worth considering.

Group Running Ettiquette

There are a few things to keep in mind when running in a group.

🏃‍♀️ First, it’s important to be aware of your own personal space and to respect the personal space of others. This is especially true of things such as if you have to spit. As runners, we generally understand it happens, but be considerate of others.

🏃‍♀️ It’s also important to be mindful of the different running speeds and abilities of those around you and to adjust your own speed accordingly. If you’re running faster than the others in your group, make sure to give them plenty of notice before passing.

🏃‍♀️ Be sure to be respectful of the route that you’re running on – if you’re running on a busy street, for example, make sure to stay to the side so as not to block traffic. It’s best when group running to try to run in a single file when on a busy route.

Occasionally you can run two runners wide, but please be mindful!

🏃‍♀️ Because you’ll be running a single file or in some sort of line, it’s always a great idea to let those behind you know what’s coming. Shouting “runner up,” “car back,” or “sidewalk” (in the event of an uneven sidewalk) can all be useful terms when you notice something that needs to catch the attention of your running friends.

By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure that everyone has a pleasant and safe experience when running in a group.

How to Find a Group Near You

Running in a group can be a great way to stay motivated and improve your running form. But if you’ve never run with a group before, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few tips for finding a group near you.

First, check out your local running stores. Many of these stores host running groups that meet on a regular basis. They’re usually open to all levels of runners, so you can find a group that’s running at your pace.

When I first joined a running group I did so through my local Fleet Feet store. I absolutely loved having the routes picked out for me each week and they created the 16-week training plan. It was well worth the cost!

Look for a Fleet Feet training program near you. You’ll be happy you joined.

Second, look for running clubs in your area. These clubs typically have membership fees, but they often host group runs open to the public. This is a great way to get to know other runners in your community and find people to run with on a regular basis.

Finally, reach out to your friends, family, and co-workers. You may be surprised to find that some of the people you already know love running too!

Once you’ve found a few potential running partners, set up a time and place to meet and start running together.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider Running in a Group

If you’re looking for an extra push to start running, or you want to stay on track and motivated, finding a group to run with is the best solution. Not only will you have someone there to help keep you safe and accountable, but social interaction can also be a huge motivator. Running groups are popping up all over the place, so do a quick online search and find one near you today!