The next time your friend says they're going on a jog with their local running club, pay attention. There might be an entirely different reason for their decision... and it has nothing to do with their health.

The Hudson Valley is a very active part of New York. Our beautiful trails attract both locals and tourists, and there's even dedicated clubs in every county for nature lovers. But what's the open secret that local running clubs are keeping?

There's an alleged open secret about running clubs in New York (Google/Canva)
There's an alleged open secret about running clubs in New York (Google/Canva)
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Run Clubs in the Hudson Valley

There are plenty of things that baffle non-runners about people who jog long distances on purpose. As legend has it, the first human to run a marathon in ancient Greece died... so why do we insist on carrying on the tradition? As it turns out, there might be an ulterior motive.

Allegedly, many local run clubs in the Hudson Valley are just a lose cover for finding potential romance (Canva)
Allegedly, many local run clubs in the Hudson Valley are just a lose cover for finding potential romance (Canva)
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Is This Rumor About Local Run Clubs Actually True?

The first time I heard the rumor about local run clubs, it was mentioned so matter-of-factly that I almost missed it. If my runner friend is to believed, however, most people don't join run clubs for health reasons, but to find their next romantic partner.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised. Common dating advice is to follow your own passions, which could lead to you meeting someone with similar interests. If you're single, ready to mingle, and have a sub-7 minute mile, why shouldn't you expect to find your future spouse at a club with other enthusiasts?

Some running clubs, however, have taken this idea to the extreme. Lunge Run Club in New York City, for example, is specifically created to simultaneously act as matchmaker and a run club (below). But what about Hudson Valley clubs?

 

 

 

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Are Hudson Valley Run Clubs a Hotspot for Singles?

Anecdotally, there are several local running clubs that are actually focused on running instead of dating. Newburgh Brewing Company hosts runs with a theme of "making friends" (below), and a popular running group in Beacon doesn't do single-themed events... but maybe someone should?

The Hudson Valley is an amazing place to live, but its geography can be challenging for single adults to meet someone new. It often takes a specific event to bring a group of people together, so why not a bunch of single runners looking for their perfect match?

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