Gen Z is outrunning millennials but San Francisco run clubs are open to all

Running is lapping other sports across fitness trackers, and Gen Z is setting the pace.

Why it matters: During a loneliness crisis and remote work era , running is one way to release stress and make new friends.

Between the lines: Young singles are also joining running clubs to find dates . Content creator Cindy Sandjo, 29, told The New York Times her followers said these groups "are the new dating apps."

By the numbers: 84% of Strava users tell the fitness tracker company their No. 1 reason for exercising is social connection.

• Gen Z is 29% more likely than millennials to work out with another person at least some of the time.
• Also, runners are 85% more likely to log a personal record when running in a group of two or more versus a solo run.

Fun fact: In Philadelphia, Kellen Matthews tells The Inquirer that a running club led him down a path of sobriety and eventually to participate in a Philly Marathon.

Zoom in: If you want to get started, San Francisco has its own running groups you can join.

• San Francisco Road Runners Club : This group host runs five days a week ranging from tracks and trails to a Wednesday fun run.
• Run Club SF : Billed as a "social club with a running problem," this group offers miles and smiles. It's summer run season goes until July 28 with Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday options.
• Golden Gate Running Club: Meeting on Wednesdays and Sundays, this club is for all levels of runners ranging from marathon trainers to people just looking to get moving.

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