How Gen Z in Delhi is going on dates in Part Club, Indian Strava
Bhaag Club was started four months ago by two 21-year-old Delhi University graduates and aims to revolutionize the running landscape in India.
in short
- Bhaag Club, founded by Delhi graduates, attracts 500 Gen Z members in Delhi every week
- The club’s success lies in creating a fun, judgment-free environment for fitness enthusiasts
- This has made clubbing an alternative to dating apps for youth.
What is your idea of a perfect date? Maybe it’s a cozy, artsy café with great food and deep conversation? Or maybe it’s attending a club, getting drunk, and dancing all night long? Maybe a long drive with good music gives you butterflies?
Whatever the case, you’re just as unlikely to say that your ideal date would involve a lot of sweat and deep breathing as it would be running a 9km run in a park. (what were you thinking?),
Recent research shows that Gen Z is the generation most invested in health and wellness. They’re not just about looking good; Feeling good is equally important. This has made running clubs a big hit among them – and a great place to meet new people.
Running Club: From the West to India
The idea of building relationships with people over shared interests is not new. Be it scientists coming together and discussing the state of the Earth or fans of a favorite series getting together, ‘clubs’ have always been a thing.
Running clubs were also popular in the West long before they gained popularity in India. Whether it was a 3 kilometer race, a half-marathon, or a full marathon, runners would gather and set out together.
Strava, one of the most popular platforms, is an American app that tracks physical exercise and incorporates social networking. Initially focused on outdoor cycling and running, Strava now allows users to compete in challenges, set personal goals, and analyze performance over time. A standout feature lets users compare their times with others on specific running routes, adding a competitive edge to their training.
Similarly, in India, it now seems that we are seeing a hype around a running club called Bhaag Club, thanks in part to Gen Z.
Part India Part
Started by 21-year-old Jyotiraditya Thakur and Krishnabir Singh, Delhi University graduates, Bhaag Club aims to revolutionize the running landscape in India. “Owners of 10-year-old clubs come to me and ask what magic we have done,” Jyotiraditya, popularly known as Joy, proudly says. How did we manage to get so many people out for morning walks?”
According to Joy, the club gathers at least 500 Gen Z members every weekend in Delhi.
What is the secret of his success? “We wanted to create a judgment-free zone. Instead of inspiring people to engage, we made it cool. Soon, people started experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out) if they weren’t a part of it,” he explains.
Launched just four months ago, Bhaag Club has already garnered over 34,000 Instagram followers, tapping directly into Delhi’s young crowd. It was initially intended as a small weekend get-together for friends, but it quickly grew through word of mouth and social media.
Joey recalls, “We [Joy and Krishbir] We weren’t into clubbing, even though we had a lot of friends. We wanted to do something different, so we started a running club for our friends. We posted stories, and soon, our friends’ friends wanted to join us. Before we knew it, over a thousand people were arriving.
To participate in this race, you just need to register on their website (free), and then once you are approved, you have to appear at the venue, which is mostly Nehru Park in Delhi (the race after this, is the toughest part). The founders say they also plan to expand the club to other cities like Mumbai, Noida and Gurugram.
FOMO is real
In today’s social media driven world, Run Club has captured the attention of Gen Z by making running a ‘cool’ thing to do. Not only that, but it’s also a way to meet others – a social activity with brownie points for being good for your health. (As we told you, Gen Z is obsessed with wellness and well-being,
This type of FOMO is different from the usual kind that motivates people to queue for the latest iPhone or concert tickets. Here, FOMO is motivating people to do something beneficial for their body.
Joy mentions that even the weather hasn’t stopped Gen Z from showing up. When they started in July, people started showing up earlier, because they start their day early. However, he says that cold and increasing pollution may affect these young runners’ decision to perform, but he remains hopeful.
“People are still coming in large numbers. Although we had the Vedanta Half-Marathon this weekend, and most of the runners were participating in it, the mornings are always cold, and the festive season is also around the corner. Still, “We had a huge turnout of 350 to 400 people,” he said.
Take Vibhu Mehta, a 27-year-old graphic designer from Delhi, for example. He discovered Bhag Club through Instagram and has since become a regular. “People join for different reasons. Some people come to meet others, but since I’m already into running, I mostly just go for the running. However, I meet people for business networking,” explains Vibhu. The club has also given him extra motivation to improve his running during the week.
participating in new friendships
“Unlike clubs, where you may not remember your conversations the next day, running with someone makes for a better environment for meeting people,” says Joey.
He has observed that many runners (amateur and professional) become fast friends after connecting during a race.
“There are no barriers when you are all sweating and pushing each other to move forward. It naturally brings people together. It’s a very organic way to meet people, unlike your typical dating apps,” he adds.
The club’s tradition of ‘post-run coffee’ is another reason for its charm. Many people join just for the coffee, says Joey cheekily, but to get there, they know they have to run first.
“We know a lot of people come for post-run coffee because it’s a good way to meet new people, but to take part, they know they have to run, so they run anyway. Yes,” he added.
Since the rise of the Part Club, similar groups have emerged in other cities. However, Joey doesn’t mind – after all, it’s all for the greater good, he says.
For many youth, running club is much more than just a running club. This is a place to make new friends, connect with like-minded individuals, and perhaps find that special someone who shares your passion for running.
