Running late club: the new way of socializing in Athens
Running clubs, currently a global fitness trend, are emerging in cities at a rapid pace. Videos depict impressive sportswear, enviable physiques and people flocking to cafes and brunch spots post-run. This is a fresh socialising approach, a departure from Instagram reactions. We crave companionship for motivation; we enjoy the herd;
Who knows? The key is that Athens is catching the bug. Small and large groups are appearing on both Instagram and TikTok. From major running clubs like Adidas and Puma, to smaller groups such as @thunderrunningathens, LOT 51’s running community, @lot51_runcrew, and the @overunder.rc who organise weekly runs – a running fever is taking hold.
The group comprises runners of various levels who prefer to run together, making the experience less solitary.
These small “clubs” organise casual, “pocket” runs at a leisurely pace, perfect for beginners or those who fancy a late-night stroll in balmy Athens. Neuroscientists suggest that every drop of sweat shed during exercise creates a “new pathway” for the brain. This optimistic notion seems to have inspired the founders of @running_late_club to form a small, diverse group that runs just after sunset, enjoying easy, short runs in midsummer.
The name “running late” refers to their slow pace (not too slow, they’re not exactly slugs) and their tendency to procrastinate before starting their run. The group consists of runners of varying abilities who choose to run together, making the activity less solitary.
“With the current heat, deciding to go for a run is challenging, but knowing we’ll meet friends and new group members makes it worth it. Some of us are such novices that completing our first five kilometres felt like a monumental achievement.” The members express their desire and enjoyment in feeling part of a small community. They emphasize the fun aspect and reject the need for fancy, expensive running gear, advocating for just proper footwear.
“It’s crucial that we invest in appropriate running shoes for those among us who lack them, in order to prevent knee injuries.”
This article was originally published in the print edition of LiFO.
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