New Run Clubs in Victoria Combat Social Isolation Now

UPDATE: Local run clubs in Victoria, British Columbia are surging in popularity as a vital solution to social isolation. Every Saturday at 9 a.m., members of the Notorious Run Club gather outside the Legislature, marking a weekly tradition that fosters community and connection.

The Notorious Run Club officially launched in September 2024, thanks to the collaboration of Brett Pfliger, Emiliano Cabrera Lorenzo, and Travis Devonport. Originally, they struggled to attract participants, each bringing in only a handful of friends. “We were each pulling like four people,” Pfliger explained. “Then we met at the Oaklands Sunset Market and figured, why not join forces?”

What followed was remarkable momentum. The club now hosts a casual 5K run every week, where there are no timers or membership fees—just fresh air, camaraderie, and often coffee at the finish line. As Cabrera Lorenzo noted, “By the end of a run, you’ve met someone new, shared a few laughs, and it’s not even 10 a.m. You’ve already won the day.”

The urgency of these gatherings is underscored by troubling findings from a recent Government of Canada study, which revealed that more than half of British Columbians reported feeling lonely either sometimes or always in the last quarter of 2024. This escalating sense of isolation is a growing concern, and run clubs like Notorious are stepping in to address it.

“Run clubs aren’t just about exercise,” Cabrera Lorenzo emphasized. “They’re about breaking out of isolation and finding community.” The Notorious Run Club isn’t alone; Victoria boasts a vibrant network of clubs, including the Cool Down Run Club, Island Beers Run Club, Fernwood Social Run Club, and Camosun Running Club, each contributing to the local effort to connect people.

The numbers are compelling. Data from Strava indicates that over 1.5 million users logged running activities in 2024, making it the platform’s top activity, with run clubs growing by an impressive 59 percent. This trend is clearly reflected in Victoria, where clubs regularly host themed runs and community events. Notorious recently organized a crossover event that attracted 150 runners from various clubs, and their highly anticipated anniversary run on August 30, 2025, promises to be even larger.

These gatherings have sparked friendships, travel partnerships, and even blossoming romances, although Pfliger and Cabrera Lorenzo laugh off the notion that their club serves as a dating service. “It’s really about community,” Cabrera Lorenzo stated. “When winter hits and people hibernate, it’s easy to lose touch. Run clubs break that cycle. They give you a reason to show up, get moving, and meet people.”

From a simple idea exchanged via text messages, Notorious has transformed into a flourishing community hub. As the group continues to expand, the atmosphere remains welcoming and relaxed. “There’s no secret formula,” Cabrera Lorenzo concluded. “We just keep showing up—and so do they.”

This grassroots movement is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection. For anyone feeling isolated, joining a local run club could be the step toward building meaningful relationships and enhancing overall well-being. As Victoria continues to embrace this running revolution, the benefits extend well beyond fitness, fostering a supportive community that resonates deeply with its members.