France’s foodie running clubs mix jogging with gastronomy

In France, a new trend is gaining ground among fitness enthusiasts and food lovers alike: foodie running clubs. These social running groups blend the pros of exercise with the pleasures of great food, proving that health and indulgence don’t have to be mutually exclusive. And they’re proving a hit as they not only celebrate France’s cuisine but foster a community spirit to boot. 

One of the most prominent examples is the Food Runners Club in Paris, founded by two running and food enthusiasts, both named Théo. Their motto of ‘Run Eat Repeat’ perfectly sums up the club’s philosophy: balancing the discipline of fitness with the joy of indulgent eating. The club hosts two weekly events: After Run Salé, held on Tuesdays at 7.30pm and focusing on savoury food stops; and FoodRun Sucré, a weekend session starting at 10am and ending with a sweet treat. Each run is about 7km at a relaxed pace of 6:15 minutes per kilometre, and winds through the city’s scenic streets. Every session ends at a carefully chosen café, patisserie or restaurant. Past outings have included vegan cookies at Land & Monkeys and artisanal pizza at Boni’s. Participation is completely free, with weekly sign-ups available via the club’s Instagram page. 

The concept has caught on beyond Paris too, with Food Runners Clubs in Lille, Bordeaux and Lyon. Meanwhile in Toulouse, the Buns & Runs club launched in February this year, offering a similar experience with a local twist. Participants gather at 9.15am on Saturdays and Sundays outside a selected café or restaurant. After a 6km group jog, runners are welcomed back with treats from the host venue. One recent run ended at Du Grain à la Tasse, where the group enjoyed steaming drinks and fresh pastries. Details and registration are available on their Instagram page. 

The foodie running movement is part of a wider trend within France’s running culture, which is increasingly placing an emphasis on community and experience as well as its primary purpose of exercise. The Paris Running Club, supported by Nike, is one example of this evolution. While not specifically food-oriented, its events often include collaborative elements with local businesses, enhancing the city’s social and culinary spirit alongside physical activity. 

At its heart, this growing phenomenon reflects a uniquely French approach to wellness: whether it’s a croissant after cardio or a post-run pain perdu, these clubs demonstrate that staying healthy doesn’t have to come at the cost of pleasure.  

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Lead photo credit : Photo: Shutterstock