“Running is the new golf.” If you’ve heard this phrase floating around, you might be wondering “does that really hold up?”
On the surface, it makes sense. Both running and golf bring people together, create shared experiences, and offer a break from the daily grind. But while golf has long been the official networking sport, running is carving out its own space as a way to connect.
Will running ever replace golf as the go-to for business bonding? Maybe not. But it’s definitely becoming a new way to build relationships, and in some ways, it offers something even better.
Let’s break it down.
1. Running Creates Common Ground—No Tee Time Required
Golf has been a networking staple partly because of its exclusivity. Not everyone has a set of clubs or access to a course, but running? All you need is a pair of shoes and a stretch of pavement.
With running’s popularity skyrocketing chances are, you already know someone who runs. Nearly 50,000 people finished the NYC Marathon last year alone. 100’s of thousands more tried to get into the race. MIllions of people are out there running!
Lately, I’ve noticed this even more in my own work. I’ve been running into (pun intended) a lot of fellow runners, especially among the data analyst community. Honestly, it makes sense. Runners love numbers. Whether it’s tracking mileage, monitoring pace trends, or analyzing heart rate histograms, running and data go hand in hand.
And it’s not just the number-crunchers. I’ve had casual conversations turn into full-on running discussions. Recently, I mentioned how good it felt to go for a dawn run, and suddenly, I was in a 10-minute conversation with a colleague about his first half marathon and an upcoming Hyrox competition.
Running isn’t just exercise, it’s a shared language, a shared experience. Unless you’ve done it, you don’t appreciate it, making it a unique bonding opportunity.
2. Running Aligns with the Wellness Movement
Unlike golf, which leans more toward leisure than fitness, running taps into something bigger: the wellness movement.
More companies are encouraging team-building runs, workplace step challenges, and group races. I’ve worked at places that held step competitions. While you didn’t need to run, the runners always stood out. We were the ones racking up the most steps and naturally finding each other on top of the leader board. Before long, we were talking about marathon training, race strategies, and favorite running routes.
There’s also the corporate running challenge scene. Every year, companies send teams to local races where employees run together in company-branded gear. It’s part networking event, part competition, and part social hour. I haven’t done one in a while, but they still happen every year, giving runners across local industries a chance to connect.
Running is more than just a workout. It’s a way for professionals to bond in an environment that supports both wellness and community.
3. Group Runs Are the New Golf Greens—With a Different Tempo
Golf is great for business because of its natural downtime. You swing, you walk, and you talk. Running? Not so much. If you’ve ever tried to hold a deep conversation mid-hill sprint, you know what I mean.
But that doesn’t mean running isn’t social. Group runs, social runs, and even “netwalking” events (networking + walking) are growing in popularity. These create a space for professional connections without the formality of a golf course. No, you likely won’t have any running meetings anytime soon, but I bet you’ve gone to a ‘walk-a-thon’ and talked some business with your co-workers.
If you’re hoping for a relaxed, hour-long chat about your latest project, golf might still win. But if you’re looking for a casual, low-pressure way to bond with colleagues? Running is a solid contender.
4. Running Builds Camaraderie Through Shared Challenges
One of running’s biggest advantages? It builds team spirit.
Training for a race together, pushing through a tough workout, or celebrating a new personal best creates a bond that’s hard to replicate. Unlike golf, which is largely individual and skill-based, running fosters collective support.
Think about it. When you’re out on a tough run with someone, you’re in it together. Whether it’s an office 5K, a charity race, or even a workplace step challenge, these challenges naturally bring people closer.
And sometimes, it even spills over into networking. Corporate running events often introduce you to colleagues you wouldn’t normally talk to, or even competitors from rival businesses. Nothing like a good race to make those industry connections feel a little more personal.
5. Running Mirrors the Goal-Driven Mindset of Professional Life
Golf is about mastering a skill. Running is about setting and achieving goals.
Every runner is working toward something: a faster time, a longer distance, or just the consistency to keep showing up. That mindset of continuous improvement? It’s exactly what we do in professional life, whether it’s climbing the career ladder or hitting performance targets.
It’s no surprise that runners and goal-setters go hand in hand. Whether we’re setting personal running goals or working toward professional milestones, the drive is the same. That’s why so many professionals, especially those in high-achieving fields, might gravitate toward running.
It’s not just about fitness. It’s about growth.
So, Is Running Really the New Golf?
While running is making waves as a way to connect, golf still has a few things going for it:
- Built-in downtime for long, strategic conversations.
- Accessibility for all fitness levels (running can be intimidating for some).
- A legacy of prestige in business culture.
That said, running offers something fresh. It offers a wellness-focused, inclusive, and time-efficient way to bond. Maybe it won’t replace golf, but it’s definitely earning its own place in the networking world.
And who knows? Maybe the best strategy is to keep golf for business and embrace running for community. After all, there’s room for both on the calendar.
Just, you know, maybe not on the same day.
