In 2025, Strava said Gen Z is turning away from passive scrolling and toward real-world movement and community. The company’s Year in Sport report says new clubs on Strava nearly quadrupled in 2025, reaching 1 million total clubs, and running clubs grew 3.5 times. Club-organized events also rose 1.5 times. This suggests that, for many young people, exercise is becoming a social habit, not just a health goal. (press.strava.com)
Why are running clubs so popular? One big reason is friendship. Strava’s 2024 report found a 59% increase in running club participation around the world. It also said 58% of survey respondents made new friends through fitness groups. Nearly 1 in 5 Gen Z respondents had even gone on a date with someone they met through exercise. A run club is simple: people meet, move, talk, and often get coffee after. For beginners, that can feel easier and more fun than exercising alone. (press.strava.com)
This change is not only an app trend. A 2025 report shared by Running USA, based on 4 million race registrations, found Gen Z participation in endurance events rose 33% year over year. Gen Z made up about 21% to 25% of runners, depending on race distance, and about 25.6% of marathon runners. RunSignup’s 2025 report also showed growth among young adults: the share of participants aged 18 to 29 rose to 17.9% in 2025, up from 16.2% in 2024. (runningusa.org)
This matters because movement helps both body and mind. The World Health Organization says physical activity helps prevent diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and it can reduce depression and anxiety. But WHO also reports that about 31% of adults worldwide are still not active enough. That is why the new run-club habit is interesting: it gives young people a reason to leave the screen, meet others, and keep moving together. (who.int)










