As young people grow increasingly tired of swiping, super likes and spilt drinks they’re turning to more wholesome and social ways to meet someone special.
Instead of depending on apps and algorithms to serve them “the one”, or chancing a meet-cute on the sticky floor of the local pub or club, singles are forming connections while getting their blood pumping, solving a dastardly crime or even indulging in a spot of comedy.
Run clubs, dubbed the new dating app on social media, are on the rise.
In Perth, there are countless early-morning meets taking over footpaths across the city, with some popular clubs boasting an Instagram following of over 17,000.
Search run club on TikTok and you’ll be met with hundreds of videos of young, fit and smiling folk with captions reading “When run clubs are the new dating apps so you pick up the pace from hot girl walking”.
While friendship is the biggest appeal of local run club Coastal Cadence, its founder Kate Raston said romance has bloomed among many of its members.
“One of our runners shared how she met her now-partner during our post-run coffee chats — what we call the sip part of our run, dip, and sip routine,” Ms Raston said.
“She wasn’t even looking for love, just joining for the community and to burn some of her Labrador’s endless energy. Fast forward a few months, and they’re now living together.
“It’s stories like these that show how naturally connections can grow when people are focused on shared experiences rather than swiping profiles.”
The relaxed environment, Ms Raston explained, invites connections to happen organically as members are already bonding over a shared passion without the need to stress about awkward silences or figuring out body language.
Steven Komene, the founder of one of Perth’s biggest run clubs The Early Ones, has had similar good news stories from its weekly runs. And similar to Coastal Cadence, its coffee or swim option post-run is a draw card for members looking to form relationships.
It’s a different vibe because it’s a mix of people in relationships and people who are single, it’s just a really old school way of meeting.
“It’s a more natural way to meet because you can align yourself with similar values and people who prioritise similar things,” Mr Komene said.
“You’re not being catfished or given the wrong idea… and you’re rolling into a coffee date without even having to ask.”
Relationship expert Samantha Jayne, who has advised for reality series The Bachelor Australia, said the move reflects the trend of young people drinking less and spending more time on their health and wellbeing.
Research from Drinkwise shows 76 per cent of young Australians like to socialise in ways that don’t involve drinking.
“They’re (young people) going back to different ways to meet people which isn’t about the bars and clubs and getting hammered, it’s more about people becoming more health conscious and into wellness,” Ms Jayne said.
With so many run clubs popping up in each State, as well as gyms and fitness studios, Jayne said the opportunity to meet like-minded people would continue to grow.
“It’s almost like speed dating without the singles association,” she said.
“It’s a different vibe because it’s a mix of people in relationships and people who are single, it’s just a really old school way of meeting.”
This deviation from apps and towards the “old school” way of meeting is also a result of what Perth-based relationship coach Nicole Koelewijn refers to as “dating app burnout”.
And it’s not just running clubs that are seeing the benefit of this approach.
Accusing a potential love interest of being a monster might seem like a strange way of igniting a romantic flame, but Folklore Murder Mystery Events may have solved the dating game.
Founder Mike Drysdale said the interactive social events excel at breaking the ice as people test each other and play with trust in a way most catch ups don’t allow for.
“The ability to cut through small talk in a genuine shared experience is something people crave at the moment,” he said, adding the events encourage people to get out of their comfort zone and let their personality shine.
The search for love might not be a laughing matter for some, but those who swear by Sunday Singles are grinning from ear to ear.
Since launching in 2020 this comedy event has been the meeting place for many romantic relationships, including one that led to a wedding.
“We stand by our theory that humour is a core part of a relationship,” founder Jack McAllister said. “From what I’ve seen, couples who laugh together, stay together. So it makes sense that this show actually works.”
OTHER WAY PERTH SINGLES ARE MEETING
From relationship expert Samantha Jayne
- TED Talks
- Networking events
- Education seminars
- Driving range
- Dog parks
- Health clubs
- Hobby workshops
- Group fitness classes
- Co-working spaces
- Social media