The Social Side of Running: It's Time to Find Your Tribe

Image taken at the Fast Bananas RUNsource Trail Race 2024 by Alan Lam

Running might feel like a solo sport, but the truth is that some of the biggest gains come from running with others. Whether it’s joining a local running group, hopping into a virtual challenge, or just having a friend to suffer through long runs with, finding your running tribe can make a huge difference in motivation, consistency, and performance. Let’s be real — running is just more fun when you’re doing it together.

Why Running with Others Works

It’s not just in your head — running with others actually makes you better. A 2022 study found that runners who trained with others were more likely to stick with their training and hit their race goals (Franken et al., 2022). Knowing that someone’s waiting for you at the trailhead makes it a lot harder to bail when you’d rather stay in bed.

And it’s not just about showing up — it’s about performance, too. Research shows that running with others increases your pain tolerance and helps you push harder because of social facilitation — basically, you perform better when others are around (Franken et al., 2022). Ever noticed how you magically find another gear during a group run or race? That’s social facilitation in action.

Running clubs also give you structure and support. A 2024 study on London Marathon runners found that club members had better race times and more consistent training habits compared to solo runners (Burke, 2024). It makes sense — running with a group means you’re learning from experienced runners, following structured plans, and getting pushed by the pack.

The Mental Side of Running Together

Running with others isn’t just about getting faster — it’s about feeling better. A 2020 review found that running with others reduces anxiety and depression while increasing overall mood and self-esteem (Oswald et al., 2020). The mix of physical activity and social connection creates a positive feedback loop that keeps you coming back.

Let’s not forget the post-run coffee chats and pre-race nerves. That sense of belonging — knowing that you have people to celebrate your wins and commiserate over tough workouts — makes running feel less like a chore and more like a lifestyle.

Bring Your Tribe to the Trail

Once you’ve built your running crew, why not take it to the next level? The Fast Bananas RUNsource Trail Race is the perfect opportunity to rally your tribe and test your training together. There’s nothing like the energy of race day with your crew by your side — the high-fives at the starting line, the shared struggle in the middle miles, and the celebration at the finish line.

Whether you’re racing for a PR or just soaking up the atmosphere, doing it with your tribe makes it better. Plus, you’ll have someone to grab a post-race coffee with! Early bird pricing for the trail race available until June!

How to Find Your Running Tribe

Not sure where to start?

Try this:

✅ Join a local running group – Most cities have running clubs for all paces and experience levels. (If you live in or near the Serenbe community meet 7:40 every Friday at One Mado)

✅ Sign up for a virtual challenge – Apps like Strava and Garmin Connect have tons of options.

✅ Follow local runners on social media – Instagram and Facebook are great for finding local events and groups.

✅ Race together – Nothing bonds a group like suffering through race day together.

Running is Better Together

At the end of the day, running is about more than just numbers — it’s about connection. Running with others makes training more fun, keeps you accountable, and helps you reach goals you didn’t think were possible. So grab your shoes, text your running buddy, and start building your tribe. And when you’re ready to put that group energy to the test, we’ll see you at the Fast Bananas Trail Race!

References

Franken R, Bekhuis H, Tolsma J. Running together: How sports partners keep you running. Front Sports Act Living. 2022;4:643150. doi:10.3389/fspor.2022.643150.
Burke L-A. “Smells like team spirit” the association between running club membership and performance in the London Marathon: An economic analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(7):e0306853. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0306853.
Oswald F, Campbell J, Williamson C, et al. A scoping review of the relationship between running and mental health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(21):8059. doi:10.3390/ijerph17218059.