# Virtual Running Clubs RunKeeper Running Group Helps Users Train With Friends By Hayley McGlone | Published 2016-07-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runkeeper-running-group References: [venturebeat](http://venturebeat.com/2016/07/26/runkeeper-groups/) & [appleinsider](http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/07/26/runkeeper-gets-social-with-new-running-groups-feature) The Runkeeper Running Group feature now allows Runkeeper users to train with friends and create [virtual running clubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runningman). The group feature is meant to encourage training through social engagement. The virtual running groups can consist of up to 25 people. Users in the Runkeeper Running Group can select a challenge like creating a set number of runs over a given week or a total distance to be ran in a week or in a month. When a member completes a run, the whole group is notified. The virtual running club has a [group chat feature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/groupetto) that let's all members chat and cheer each other on with their training. By being able to chat, [create groups with goals and challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/75-hard-together), Runkeeper Running Group is aiming to create the best virtual running group possible and have users lure their friends to the app for bigger running groups and more users. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Fitness Communities:** Creating virtual communities for fitness enthusiasts to connect and train together, enhancing social engagement and motivation. - **Group Fitness Challenges:** Introducing challenges and goals within virtual fitness groups to drive participation and encourage healthier lifestyles. - **Gamified Fitness Apps:** Incorporating gamification elements into fitness apps to make workouts more fun and interactive, fostering user engagement and retention. ### Where This Applies - **Fitness Technology:** Providing innovative digital platforms, wearables, and apps that facilitate virtual fitness communities and enhance users' training experiences. - **Social Media:** Leveraging social media platforms to create and promote virtual fitness communities, tapping into the power of social networking and viral marketing. - **Wellness and Health Promotion:** Integrating virtual fitness communities and challenges into corporate wellness programs to encourage employee engagement and promote a healthier workforce. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dating App Running Clubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinder-solemates-challenge.md) - [Running Partner Messaging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strava-messaging.md) - [Multi-Faceted Virtual Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-10k-challenge.md) - [Group-Focused Remote Fitness Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remote-fitness-platform.md) - [Personalized Training Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/run10k-trainer.md) - [Strategic Running Gameplay](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battle-run.md) - [Enhanced Social Running Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-running-app.md) - [Gamified Fitness Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urace.md) - [Social Running Activities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympian-meeting.md)