On quiet mornings in Hazelwood, long before the brunch rush starts, a different kind of crowd gathers. Sunday, 15 February, was no different as a large group of people assembled outside of Pantry for an early morning run club. No cocktails in hand or late night stories to recover from, just running shoes and a vibrant early morning energy. It is here where OnlyFriends, a growing social run club, meets for a wider movement that is reshaping how young people socialise.
As can be seen on social media, social run clubs are experiencing a surge in popularity across cities. What was once seen as a niche fitness hobby has evolved into a cultural shift in which people have fused the craving of community with fitness and well-being. For many young professionals, the appeal is not just in clocking kilometres on Strava, but in reclaiming a sense of community in this modern and digital age.
“People want to take their health and fitness more seriously,” says Nimbo, a representative of OnlyFriends. “But there’s also a lack of community in the society we live in. Social run clubs combine the two. You are able to work towards your fitness goals while getting to know new people.” In an era dominated by screens and demanding schedules, the simple act of showing up and moving together has become extremely powerful. “We’re all stuck on our phones so much that we don’t talk to each other anymore,” Nimbo explains.
The rise of these run clubs also signals a subtle shift away from traditional nightlife. While evenings out still hold their appeal, especially in student life, many young people are gravitating towards experiences that leave them feeling energised rather than depleted.
“You go out with your friends and it’s amazing,” Nimbo says, “But when you wake up the following morning, there can be regrets. With a run club, you wake up early, you get those endorphins going and there are no regrets, only rewards.” OnlyFriends has found that balance is key to its appeal. For some, the Sunday 5K is about shaving minutes off a personal best. For others, it is about conversation between the strides. “It’s a beautiful balance between fitness and connection,” Nimbo says. “Some people come for the fitness, some for community, but whichever you choose, you’ll find it.”
The timing plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere. The early Sunday morning 06:00 slot offers a reset before the week begins. “People are fresh. They have just woken up, they haven’t started thinking about their problems yet,” Nimbo says. With the crisp Hazelwood air and quiet streets, the environment itself feels designed for clarity and connection.
The sense of intentional community is amplified by OnlyFriends’ collaboration with Pantry. More than just a coffee stop, Pantry has positioned itself as a lifestyle and wellness space – somewhere to meet, linger, and share.
“We approached Pantry because it is already set up as a space where people can socialise and interact with one another. You can go there for coffee, groceries, a date, or an ice cream. It already creates a space where people can come together.”
After the run, participants return to Pantry for electrolyte drinks, coffee, and conversation, often with exclusive discounts as a reward for completing the run or walk. But the partnership goes beyond these incentives as it reflects a wider trend of collaborations between community groups and hospitality venues that transform spaces into social hubs.
“Hospitality venues create a space where people sit down and talk to each other, away from their phones,” Nimbo says. “Our social run is geared towards that as well. Partnering with Pantry enhances the experience and keeps the momentum going of being in a healthy, social environment.”
As the trendy wellness culture continues to grow, so does the demand for spaces that offer more than just a workout. Social run clubs like the OnlyFriends training group demonstrates that fitness can be structured, social, and disciplined. On Sunday morning runs at Pantry, it is clear that people are not just running for fitness, but connection too.
