
Riding the double-decker bus in London is one of my favourite things to do. It’s nostalgic and historic, with a charm that feels both quintessentially touristy yet deeply local. The other day, somewhere between Mayfair and Marylebone, I was perched on the top level of the Boris Bus, shamelessly people-watching, when I noticed a group of well-styled runners gliding across the asphalt.
Decked out in UVU—an extremely popular, drop-specific London brand—ten heavily-tattooed runners jogged in perfect unison. Their rhythm, style and easy conversation were captivating. I’d seen pictures of them before on Instagram: Adi, the founder of UVU, often posts moody videos of his crew circling Big Ben. But in person, the whole thing felt even more magnetic.

This London group reminded me of what I’ve been noticing in Canada—specifically within Toronto. I recently came across the Summerhill Run Club on Instagram, a new running group based in the luxe neighbourhood where I love to get my groceries when I feel like maxing out my credit card. I scrolled through their profile like it was my Pinterest feed.
Between perfectly curated Instagram posts, the well-dressed runners in them and the allure of community, this much is clear: aesthetic run clubs are on the rise. From Almost Friday Club in NYC to Midnight Runners Toronto to The Night Club in London, polished run clubs with prominent social pages are popping up everywhere.

What was once a simple, sweaty way to move your body has transformed into a movement where aesthetic, community and fitness collide. Outfits are intentional, Instagram feeds are curated, and even post-run rituals have become part of the aesthetic. Brands like Nike, Adidas and New Balance may have laid the groundwork, but newer brands like UVU are elevating the uniform, and with it, the idea of what running together can look like.
The numbers back it up. Strava’s latest Year in Sport Trend Report notes the rise of community-driven fitness—and its impact is undeniable. The number of new run clubs on Strava has tripled compared to this time last year, with Brazil leading the surge at nearly an 800% increase.
More than half of Gen Z athletes say their top reason for joining a club is social connection, proving that run clubs aren’t just about mileage—they’re about belonging. With over a million clubs on the app, this collective, aesthetic-driven style of running is more than a passing trend. It’s a cultural shift toward making fitness aspirational and intentional.
Feeling inspired to join the movement? We’ve listed our top picks below to build your workout aesthetic and feel run-club-ready. After all, your picture might end up on Instagram.
Whether you’re partial to T-shirts or full-length base layers, consider these picks for your next run club outfit.
With fall coming in hot, it’s time to bundle up. Keep warm with these lightweight outerwear picks.
From ultra-light running shorts for fall to full-length joggers for early winter.
Arguably the biggest running essential there is, a supportive pair of running sneakers (and an equally comfy pair of socks) can make or break your run.
From sun-shielding sunnies to skin-saving balaclavas, these are the finishing touches your fall and winter running outfits need.
Kelly McCabe is a contributor at FASHION Magazine. Passionate about analyzing trends and discovering thoughtfully curated pieces, she has written for Girlboss and views fashion as one of her favourite forms of self-expression. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys exploring the city's latest wellness spots and spending time with her loved ones. Contact her via email at kellyymccabe21@gmail.com.
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