Running Can Combat Loneliness – Clarah.co – In-Depth Analysis

A few years ago, Darren DeMatoff, 57, had a surprising realization: many of his closest friends were significantly younger, some by up to 30 years. This revelation came from his participation in a running group, where age became irrelevant, and camaraderie thrived. “Running is a great equalizer,” says DeMatoff, owner of a Chicago-based interior design company. “It brings people together, facing similar challenges and achieving personal milestones.”

The Social Fabric of Running

DeMatoff’s experience with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) has taught him that running, especially in groups, is a powerful remedy for the loneliness epidemic affecting nearly half of the U.S. population. While running is often seen as a solitary activity, its benefits multiply when shared with others, creating layers of physical and mental health benefits.

The Loneliness Epidemic

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness an epidemic, urging Americans to strengthen social connections. His advisory emphasized the healing effects of community and social interaction, a sentiment echoed by members of running groups nationwide.

Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of the New York Road Runners (NYRR), highlights the challenge of making new friends as we age. Having trained solo for his first marathon in 1997, he found a profound difference when he later joined a team. “It’s about the kind of people you surround yourself with,” Simmelkjaer explains. “Running provides common ground, leading to deeper conversations about life, careers, and families.”

Also read; Mental Illness Costs the U.S. $282 Billion Annually, Reveals New Study

The Unique Benefits of Running

Running is renowned for its physical benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and boosting brain health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, regular cardiovascular exercise, like running, improves memory, focus, and mood. A 2020 review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health linked running to better mental health, particularly in managing depression and anxiety. Exercise releases stress-relieving hormones like cortisol and mood-enhancing chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.

Combining running with social interaction amplifies these benefits. The CDC reports that strong social connections can lower the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and dementia by 50%. Research from AARP Services, UnitedHealthcare, and OptumLabs in 2023 found that physical activity could reduce severe loneliness and social isolation by up to 30%.

Real-Life Stories of Connection

For the 50 million Americans who run for exercise, joining a group can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. “Running can be a saving grace,” says Shawanda Weems, a middle school teacher and track coach from the Bronx. “It’s a prescription-free way of dealing with loneliness.”

Weems has witnessed the unifying power of running firsthand. She formed lasting friendships with her students, including Kiara Fernandez Chavez, 28. The duo ran the New York City Marathon together in 2016, an experience Weems describes as a highlight of her life.

Simmelkjaer shares similar observations. NYRR has brought together people from all walks of life, fostering friendships, mentorships, and even marriages. “The runs are the mechanism for bringing people together,” he says. “And that’s really what we all need in life.”

Related study: Can Consuming Energy Drinks Cause a Heart Attack?

Conclusion: A Call to Run Together

The power of running extends beyond physical health, offering a solution to the growing problem of loneliness. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, consider joining a running group. The connections you make could transform your social life and enhance your well-being. Running with others not only improves physical health but also weaves the social fabric that binds us, making it a simple yet profound antidote to loneliness.

Also read: How the Mediterranean Diet Can Lower Mortality Risk for Women: Key Insights