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If you step into Nehru Park or Lodhi Garden on a Sunday morning, you might double-check your watch to see if it’s really 6 am. Because I had to! Dozens of twenty-somethings are already on their feet, running in groups. In these locations, running is not just about putting on your headphones and clocking an hour or two; it’s about community - even if it is 6am. From early morning miles to post-run coffee and brunch plans, run and walk clubs are turning fitness into something social, fun and surprisingly cool. Whether you show up for the “free coffee”, the workout, or just the vibes, the new running culture is redefining what weekends look like.,Waking Up Early Isn’t a Chore,Run clubs have become the hottest social clubs, it is right to say that they are literally talk of the town. Whether you’re motivated by that post-run brunch plan, or hoping to make new friends, or trying to strike up a conversation with that one cute person you saw on their Insta page, or just chasing your fitness goals, there’s always a reason to show up. Running no longer has to feel like a solo grind — it’s now a chance to turn early mornings into something you actually look forward to.,“Getting up at 6am and going out for a run alone seems like a daunting task on most days, but when you know there are 100 people doing the same thing, you end up pushing each other,” said Krishna Lohiya, co-founder of Delhi Run Collective. The club, which was started in September 2024 by Shahnil Samantara and his two other friends (Krishna Lohiya and Manraj Singh) as a small community, now has more than 150 people joining them every Sunday., ,Last year’s report by a fitness app, Strava, showed a 59% increase in running club participation globally, and this year the numbers are only climbing, proving that more young people aren’t just chasing fitness goals; they’re making connections, friendships and the kind of mornings that leave you buzzing all day.,Early Morning Fitness Meets The Friday Night Energy,BhagClub, which calls itself India’s Spiciest Club, has become something of a phenomenon in Delhi’s running scene. This too was launched in 2024, by two Delhi University graduates, Krishbir Singh and Jyotiraditya Thakur, the club didn’t begin with the fanfare it enjoys today. Their early attempts at drawing people in were as simple as plastering QR codes around Nehru Park, Khan Market and Lodhi Garden. On the first day, only one stranger turned up. It was the seven of them and a random jogger who took a chance on the scan. That slightly awkward run is now part of BhagClub lore, proof that even the most intimidating idea can begin with just a couple of steps. “That one guy kept us going,” one of the founders recalled. “If even a stranger could show up, we knew we were onto something.”,Today, BhagClub has expanded into something far louder and bolder. In September last year, they pulled more than 1,100 people into Nehru Park for one of their weekend runs. “We were the first ones in India to do this,” claimed Joy, with the sort of pride that signals a quiet revolution.,But what makes it click isn’t just the novelty of running with music and sneakers; it’s the sense of belonging. “Running with others definitely pushes me to go further than I usually would on my own. Another big difference is the community aspect, most clubs have some sort of post-run get-together, ranging from a casual coffee to something more fun like a matcha rave. These moments make it feel like a holistic experience, where you’re not just running ” said Arush Jennis, a college graduate. ,Running on Treadmills vs Pavements,“For years, I was cooped up in my society gym, blasting my Bollywood banger playlist and staring at a white wall, just waiting for the timer to hit zero on the treadmill,” said Abhiveer Singh. One fine day, Abhiveer decided to go for a run with Bhag Club, and that’s when he realised, no gym playlist can match the feeling of running on uneven pavements.,DopaFit, another fitness and running club in the NCR, was started by Abheek Arora about three months ago. For him, starting this was more personal. During his own fitness journey, he recalled how there was no one to guide him properly. “Fitness journeys should be fun,” he said., ,Today, the club sees over 200 people joining him and his team on weekends, and it’s become so much more than just running — childhood games, workouts, pithu, dodgeball, frisbee sessions, and much more. It’s not just about hitting kilometres; it’s about building stories, friendships, and a new kind of weekend energy.,Post-Run Rituals,“To make fitness attractive and fun, we host ‘sports days’ that bring back the nostalgia of school competitions such as frog jumps, three-legged races, relay runs,” recalled one of the Delhi Run Collective founders. “And on other days, we set up music mixers so people can just move, groove, and have fun. It’s all about making movement feel less like a task and more like play.”,Ever heard of Run and Rave? I hadn’t either—until Joy, co-founder of Bhag Club, told me about it. Picture this: a few kilometres of running, followed by a high-energy daytime party. Just DJs, coffee, dancing and pure post-run euphoria. It’s the kind of Sunday morning that feels more alive than any Saturday night, honestly., ,And yes, while you’d expect runners to crash afterward, these clubs have turned even recovery into an experience. Forget boring snacks, think protein bars, electrolyte drinks and shakes handed out after the run. The founders often collaborate with brands and cafés, choosing a spot where everyone can cool down, chat and sample goodies together. It’s a smart mix of fitness, fun, and a touch of influencer-era marketing — all wrapped up in a good time.,Walking Together, Talking Freely,Let’s be honest, not everyone wants to wake up and run for miles, and that’s fine, right? Some prefer finding their stride at a slower, chattier pace. City Girls Who Walk Delhi has exactly that kind of vibe. I can vouch for it since I've attended it myself. A space with fitness at your own pace with part-time catching up with many new people, all women.,“I’m a very social person, and after Covid, I really felt the void of being around people — especially connecting with those outside my usual friends or work circles,” said Manisha Kalra. In 2023, she stumbled upon City Girls Who Walk New York and thought, 'Why not start the same thing here?' So, she started small. About 7 to 15 people would join in the start. “We often used conversation starters to help everyone connect. What stands out to me most is that the bonds we formed back then still last today—many of us are still in touch,” she said.,She believes walking is more inclusive than running or gym sessions. “It suits everyone—all fitness levels. It’s low-effort; you can actually talk while doing it, and that’s what makes it special,” she said.,Now you must be thinking, Just walking for miles sounds a little boring? But that’s not the case. The walks always end with something extra. Zumba sessions, dance or art workshops, or even coffee catch-ups that last hours. “We always try to include icebreakers that encourage women to open up, connect with like-minded people, build friendships, and even find professional opportunities.” Manisha added., ,It’s truly the comfort of the space that stands out. I joined one of their walks at Lodhi Garden, and honestly, it surprised me. As an introvert, I didn’t expect to strike up conversations so easily. There was something about walking side by side, with no pressure or awkward pauses, and that's what made people open up. “No pressure to look a certain way, no judgments. It’s all about comfort, kindness, and connection,” said Manisha. In a city where many women still think twice before stepping out alone, City Girls Who Walk Delhi is a reminder that walking together can be just as powerful as running.,There’s something addictive about these mornings, and it’s not about how fast you move but who you move with. Waking up at 6 am is Delhi’s newest form of joy, whether you wake up for that “free coffee” or to have a conversation with the hot guy or just to meet your fitness goals!,This article is authored by Khushi Sukhija.
