Social life in Spain is undergoing a significant shift, with a growing number of residents opting to lace up their trainers and hit the pavement instead of frequenting bars. A UK-education charity study revealed that 43% of professionals feel pressured to consume alcohol when socializing.
Running clubs are emerging as a healthy and accessible solution. Running is considered one of the most popular physical activities due to its low cost and flexibility. Spain's year-round sunny climate and varied landscapes, from mountains to coastal promenades, make it an ideal destination for these athletic groups.
A study by the Sociological Research Center (CIS) has noted an increase in running practices, with over 5% of the population considering themselves regular runners, translating to approximately two million people over 15 who run or jog regularly. The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) registered 1,323 running clubs in 2023, a number that continues to grow.
“"Running together is just a more natural way to connect – you’re outside, doing something healthy, and meeting people without it feeling weird."
Cities like Madrid, with over 200 active groups, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Marbella are hosting these clubs. Through online pages and Instagram accounts, runners of all levels are welcomed, fostering a supportive, no-pressure environment. Some clubs offer casual runs with coffee and conversation, while others focus on structured training plans for marathons.
The popularity of apps like Strava facilitates route tracking and interaction among runners. This phenomenon impacts not only social habits but also urban planning, by altering the use of streets and parks. Clubs like Run Club Marbella, founded in November 2024, have grown to gather over 100 people every Sunday, emphasizing community over the activity itself.
For many, running has become an alternative to online dating, with groups organizing specific meetups for singles. "People are tired of awkward networking events, dating apps, and forced ways of meeting people," comments Blaz Rogelsek. Marbella, with its climate and residents open to new connections, presents itself as an ideal location.
International runner Stephanie Higgs, a resident of Marbella, has participated in several Andalusian races and completed the Seville Marathon in February 2026. In Valencia, running culture is particularly strong, with its marathon recognized as one of the fastest in the world.
