Tinder Delves Into In-Person Events with New Partnership
Contributed by: kellyseal on Wednesday, July 03 2024 @ 11:24 am
Last modified on Wednesday, July 03 2024 @ 11:45 am
Dating app Tinder has partnered with running coach app Runna to launch a special summer run club for singles.
According to Runner’s World magazine, the “Solemates” club was created in response to a growing need from Tinder app users for activity-based dating events. There is also a significant number of runners joining Tinder, and the term “running” is one of the top trending profile-tagged “interests” that people can choose from on the platform.
SoleMates events are taking place in June and July in London, and will be held on Wednesday nights for three consecutive weeks at different areas, including Clapham and Central London. The third location is to be determined.
The series is not for hard-core athletes only: each session will have a 5K run led by Runna, and will be kept to a “casual pace” according to Runner’s World[*1] , so that people can chat while they are exercising. The idea is to talk with potential dates while doing something you are both interested in (and getting a workout, too).
Participants can either match with a running partner on Tinder or will be paired with other runners on the app based on running experience. After each run, there will also be a gathering where people can mingle with others over drinks and small bites.
A recent study from Eventbrite showed that more young people are turning to events to meet people, rather than relying on dating apps. Gen Z is particularly weary of dating apps, according to Eventbrite. Tinder seems to be leaning into this events trend with its new partnership.
Laura Wilkinson-Rae, senior communications director from Tinder told Running World: “With the nights getting longer, and many young singles ditching the classic dinner date, the SoleMates Run Clubs allow young singles to enjoy an IRL date with a difference. What is guaranteed is that heart rates will rise.”
Ben Parker, co-founder & head coach at Runna told Runner’s World: “It’s been incredible to see the love for running spread across London, with so many amazing new run clubs, enriching local communities. With our passion for running, we are thrilled to be teaming up with Tinder for the SoleMates Run Clubs and can’t wait to welcome runners down[*2] to the event and hopefully help build some great new connections!”
So far, Tinder’s running clubs are only happening in London, but depending on its success the app might decide to take the idea to other countries. A study in India from dating app Happn revealed that young people on dating apps are interested in sports and meeting potential matches via sporting events.