The Growing Trend of "Group Runs" Worldwide: The Current State of Running Crew Culture in Japan

The Growing Trend of "Group Runs" Worldwide: The Current State of Running Crew Culture in Japan

2025年08月12日 23:06

1. Introduction: Why "Group Runs" Are Gaining Global Popularity

The trend of rediscovering the joy of "running with others" has accelerated post-pandemic. In Japan, the running population is on the rise, with crew-style group runs emerging. Tokyo's 080TOKYO sees around 100 participants in its weekly open runs, expanding the value of running beyond just "records" to include "connecting, playing, and getting to know the city." The movement is further supported by fashion, shops, and global brands, with running expanding as a cultural phenomenon. FASHIONSNAP [ファッションスナップ]


2. The Lineage of Global Running Crews and Communities

  • Run Dem Crew (London, 2007–)
    A legendary crew. It promotes itself not as an "athletic club" but as a community, focusing on youth support and mentoring. Wikipedia

  • November Project (Global)
    Founded in Boston in 2011. Known for free, early morning, outdoor group workouts, it has expanded to over 50 cities worldwide. It combines running with bodyweight exercises, designed to maintain a strong sense of unity even through winter. AP Newsnovember-project.com+1

  • Midnight Runners (Global, with a Tokyo chapter)
    Famous for its night runs with speakers, creating an exhilarating "running party" atmosphere through city centers. A volunteer-led community spread across more than 18 cities. midnightrunners.comFacebookInstagramBoston Run and Outdoor Expo

  • Harlem Run (NYC)
    Known for its inclusive approach, it has become a representative crew in NYC. It is praised for creating a "place" where runners from diverse backgrounds feel they belong. nyrr.orgRIDCstance.com

  • Black Girls RUN! (USA)
    A national organization aiming to address health disparities. It continues to expand its community across the U.S., with new locations opening in 2025. columbussports.orgBlack Girls Run+1

  • GoodGym (UK)
    "Run and do good" — A pioneering example of "active volunteering," where running is combined with helping facilities. goodgym.org+1nesta

  • parkrun (Global)
    A global community hosting free 5km runs every Saturday morning. It launched in Japan in 2019. parkrun.com


3. The Forefront of "Running Crews" in Japan

3-1. Representative Examples (Mini Directory)

  • 080TOKYO (Shibuya / Yoyogi): An open run where anyone can join spontaneously. Post-pandemic, some sessions gather up to 100 people. Many English speakers participate, adding international diversity. FASHIONSNAP [ファッションスナップ]080tokyo.com

  • AFE TOKYO (Athletics Far East): One of Japan's leading crews. Actively engages with overseas crews and has a strong cultural influence. Runners Pulserunningcrews.com

  • Namban Rengo (Yoyogi / Oda Field): An international crew mixing expatriates and Japanese. Wednesday night intervals can gather 60–80 people. Rich in English information. Namban Rengo+1

  • SOGO Run Club (Harajuku / city runs): Combines running with games/HIIT for a "fitness x social" experience. Low barrier for first-time participants. sogofitness.orgThe Japan Times

  • Midnight Runners Tokyo: Offers a globally consistent experience (night runs x music). Easy for travelers to join. midnightrunners.com

  • parkrun Japan (Various locations): Free 5km every week at places like Futako-Tamagawa. Walking is also allowed, making it popular with families. parkrun.jp



3-2. Support from Brands and Events

Adidas hosts the ADIDAS TOKYO CITY RUN 2025 at Meiji Jingu Gaien (also featuring relays and mini-ekiden). More brands are using shops and flagship stores as hubs to promote weekly group runs. プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMESe-moshicom


4. Is "More Sustainable Than Solo" True?—Research on the Benefits of Group Exercise

  • Adherence: Group exercise programs tend to have higher adherence rates than individual ones. The effect is particularly significant for beginners. PMCTaylor & Francis Online

  • Social Rewards and Support: Approval and a sense of unity from peers can enhance the exercise experience, potentially improving performance and satisfaction. PMC

  • Shared Purpose: Linking activities to charity or community contribution can strengthen motivation and increase happiness—examples include the UK's Food Bank Run and GoodGym. The Guardiangoodgym.org


5. Getting Started: How to Find a Crew & Join

Finding a Crew

  • Search on Instagram or X for #ランニングクルー / #groupRun / Midnight Runners Tokyo / parkrun Japan.

  • Use directory sites (Tokyo Run Clubs) and summaries for English-speaking audiences as references. ##HTML

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