Doesn’t it feel like meeting people IRL is becoming increasingly difficult? Even though people are in closer proximity than ever, it can often feel like organic introductions and interactions are becoming fewer and farther between.
Even in Bali, a place that attracts folks who are generally more open, meeting new people can sometimes feel tricky, no matter which part of the island you are staying on.
Although it feels more difficult to meet people naturally, especially when people are busier, working while on vacation, or simply just shy, there is a wave of enthusiasm flowing in the opposite direction, too.
As people are feeling more disconnected and unsure where to go, others are actively seeking solutions and bringing people together in new ways.
Run clubs are a huge trend right now. And coffee is always a vibe in Bali! Run clubs have always been a thing too, but especially in the last five years, it seems that there has been a massive uptick in not only the number of run clubs, but also interest in run clubs.
Whether it be as a result of the pandemic or the simple rebrand of the run club as a concept, whether you’re in a city or a rural area, you’re never too far from a new and emerging run club community. In Bali, this is no exception.
Run clubs are a pressure-free way to meet new people and get those endorphins pumping. In Bali, where health, fitness, and wellness trends rise and set with the sun, it seems run clubs have become a stable part of the community scene.
Back in September, 831 Coffee Club in Kerobokan launched a new fun run club initiative around the cafe’s brand. At the launch event, 150 runners took part, and the event continues to go from strength to strength.
Speaking to reporters, General Manager of 831 Coffee Club, Yumi Fadila, said the enthusiasm of the running community was quite high. She shared, “Three hours after we shared the event, we reached the maximum number of registrants. Therefore, we plan to hold a Morning Run once a month. We’ll also be offering yoga and Zumba.”
She added, “831 Coffee Club is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. We want to be a place where guests can start their day with a healthy breakfast. We’ll also be introducing new menu items soon, including healthy pasta, a selection of salads, and several snacks.”
Many running clubs are created in connection with cafes, coffee shops, and concept stores. Businesses have created ways to build genuine communities around their brands, resulting in increased connections and stronger relationships among locals and international residents, as well as among long-term residents and passing visitors.
No mention of run clubs in Bali would be complete without FLOWERBOY. This run club initiative has helped put Seseh on the map as a community-oriented travel destination. The run club meets every Wednesday and Saturday at FLOWERBOY in Seseh.
The community meets at 6 am, with a guided 5km and 10km option available depending on how the legs are feeling. The run club is free to participate in, though many runners opt to buy a coffee at the beginning and/or end of their run to support FLOWERBOY as a business and because their coffee and drinks menu is genuinely irresistible.
For running enthusiasts, or even those who want to give it a go and are unsure how their fitness will hold up, one of the best run clubs to join is FAR Ubud.
FAR, standing for ‘For All Runners’, meet up in a range of locations around the Ubud area for a sunrise run multiple times a week. Information for the week’s running schedule can be found in the FAR.
On the Ubud Instagram account, there is no sign-up, and it’s always free to join. FAR Ubud’s ethos is all about inclusivity and is on a mission to make running more of a social experience than rigorous exercise; all abilities are welcome, and support is guaranteed.
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