How Gen Z in Delhi is running into dates at Bhag Club, the Indian Strava

What’s your idea of an ideal date? Perhaps it’s a cosy, artsy café with a decadent meal and deep conversation? Or maybe it’s hitting a club, getting tipsy, and dancing the night away? Perhaps a long drive with good music gives you the butterflies?
Whatever it is, chances are pretty slim that you would say that your ideal date consists of a lot of sweat, and deep breaths, because you’ll be running a 9-km stretch in a park (what were you thinking?).
Recent research reveals that Gen Z is the generation most invested in health and wellness. They’re not just about looking good; feeling good is just as important. This has made the running club a big hit among them – and a great place to meet new people.
The idea of bonding with people over shared interests isn’t new. Whether it’s scientists coming together and discussing the state of the Earth or fans of a favourite series meeting together, ‘clubs’ have always been a thing.
Running clubs, too, were popular in the West long before they gained traction in India. Whether it was a 3-km jog, a half-marathon, or a full marathon, runners would gather and set off together.

Running clubs are a hit in the West. Photo: Unsplash

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 analyse performance over time. One standout feature lets users compare their times on specific running routes with others, adding a competitive edge to their training.
Similarly, in India, it now seems that we are witnessing the hype around a running club, called Bhag Club, thanks to Gen Z.
Started by 21-year-old Jyotiraditya Thakur and Krishbir Singh, Delhi University graduates, Bhag Club aims to revolutionise the running scene in India. Jyotiraditya, known as Joy, proudly shares, “Owners of ten-year-old clubs come to me asking what magic we’ve done. How have we managed to get so many people out for morning runs?”
According to Joy, the club gathers at least 500 Gen Z members every weekend in Delhi.
What’s the secret to their success? “We wanted to create a judgment-free zone. Instead of pushing people to join, we made it cool. Soon, people started experiencing FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) if they weren’t part of it,” he explains.
Started just four months ago, Bhag Club has already amassed over 34,000 Instagram followers, tapping directly into Delhi’s young crowd. Initially meant to be a small weekend meet-up for friends, it quickly grew through word of mouth and social media.

Running improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity, aids weight management, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances stamina. Photo: Unsplash

Joy recalls, “We [Joy and Krishbir] weren’t into clubbing, even though a lot of our friends were. We wanted to do something different, so we started a running club just for our friends. We posted stories, and soon, our friends of our friends wanted to join us. Before we knew it, more than a thousand people were turning up.”
To attend this run, all you have to do is register on their website (free of cost), and then once you’re approved, you have to show up at the location, which is mostly Nehru Park in Delhi (followed by the run, the most difficult part). The founders say that they are planning to expand the club into other cities like Mumbai, Noida, and Gurugram as well.
In today’s social media-driven world, Bhag Club has caught Gen Z’s attention by making running the ‘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 kind of FOMO is different from the usual kind that pushes people to queue up for the latest iPhone or concert tickets. Here, the FOMO is driving people to do something beneficial for their bodies.
Joy mentions that the weather has also not stopped Gen Z from showing up. When they started in July, people were already showing up, as they start their day early. However, he says that winter and rising pollution can impact these young runners’ decisions to show up, but he’s hopeful.
“People are still showing up in great numbers. Though we had the Vedanta half-marathon this weekend, and most of the runners were participating in it, it’s always cold in the morning, and the festive season is right around the corner. Still, we had a great turnout of 350 to 400 people,” he says.
Take Vibhu Mehta, a 27-year-old graphic designer from Delhi, for instance. He discovered Bhag Club through Instagram and has since become a regular. “People join for different reasons. Some come to meet others, but since I’m already into running, I go mostly for the run itself. I do meet people for business networking, though,” Vibhu shares. The club has also given him extra motivation to improve his running during the week.
“Unlike clubs, where you can’t remember your conversations the next day, running with someone creates a better environment to meet people,” says Joy.
He’s noticed many runners (amateurs and pros) becoming fast friends after bonding during their runs.
“There’s no barrier when you’re all sweating and pushing each other to keep going. It naturally brings people together. It is a very organic way to meet people, unlike your dating apps,” he adds.
The club’s tradition of ‘post-run coffee’ is another reason for its appeal. Many join just for the coffee, but to get there, they know they have to run first, Joy cheekily says.
“We know a lot of people come for the post-run coffee, as it a good way to meet new people but to attend that, they know they have to run, hence anyway, they end up running,” he adds.
Since the rise of Bhag Club, similar running groups have sprung up in other cities. Joy doesn’t mind, though – after all, it’s all for the greater good, he says.
For many young people, Bhag Club is more than just a running club. It’s a place to make new friends, connect with like-minded individuals, and perhaps even find that special someone who shares their passion for running.