Coming out of the pandemic, there has been a massive surge in running and fitness-based activities worldwide, while online dating has seen a decline. Races are witnessing a significant increase in participants, and new run clubs have popped up nationwide, creating a post-pandemic utopia for social interaction. A 2024 report showed that the big three dating apps—Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble—experienced a drop in revenue. In response, some apps are riding the running wave to regain users.
Bumble has partnered with the fitness app Strava to launch a summer event series, while Tinder has collaborated with the British fitness app Runna to create a summer run club series for singles, dubbed SoleMates. Both initiatives cater to the growing trend of activity-based dating and the rising number of runners on dating apps. Many adventurous singles, frustrated by the online dating scene, are turning to running clubs as a new way to find authentic connections.
Conrad Wong, a Toronto-based marathoner and entrepreneur, hasn’t had much luck finding his match on dating apps. Now, he’s using his platform, ToDoToronto—a social media page known for fun and affordable city activities—to tap into this trend with his innovative singles run club event.
The appeal of fitness-based dating events is clear, especially for those tired of the often frustrating world of online dating. Social media is filled with stories of running clubs doubling as matchmaking services. Running side by side allows for genuine interaction without the distractions of phones or social media, fostering authentic connections.
“A lot of people have started dating through running clubs; I just turned 30 and haven’t met my match yet,” says Wong, explaining his motivation for hosting the event. “If you’re a guy on Tinder, you only get a few swipes, while girls have a lot of options, which can be overwhelming or over-the-top. We are going back in time, meeting people in real life, and forming authentic connections.”
Wong plans to use an AI tool during registration to match singles based on their personality, fitness level and LinkedIn experience. “This will increase the likelihood of people getting along, hopefully leading to something magical,” he says.
His upcoming event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 10, in Toronto’s Fort York community, has already filled up and has a waitlist for men. “Our goal is to balance the ratios,” Wong explains. “This is a test run, and if the reaction is great, we will hold another.” Many running clubs have imbalanced gender ratios, and some people join run clubs with specific intentions, which can sometimes lead to awkward situations. Wong’s event aims to provide a safe space for singles to meet without overstepping boundaries.
The event costs $20 and includes complimentary food and drinks. Registration requires connections to LinkedIn and Strava profiles.
As traditional dating apps face competition from innovative social fitness initiatives, it’s clear that run clubs are carving out a unique niche in the dating landscape. Whether the future of dating involves AI-assisted matchmaking or good old-fashioned face-to-face interaction, Wong’s event challenges norms and encourages more people to stay active.
