The Power of Running Together: How Group Running Boosts Performance and Motivation

Running is often seen as a solo sport - just you, the road, and your thoughts. But anyone who has run with a group knows there’s something special about it. It’s not just about having company; it’s about the energy, motivation, and sense of connection that come from running together.

Michael Crawley’s book ‘To the Limit’ dives into this idea, specifically exploring how Ethiopian runners train in groups to push each other further. He connects this to a concept from sociology called collective effervescence - a term from French sociologist Émile Durkheim that describes the powerful energy we feel when we do things together. Think of a packed stadium during a big game or a concert crowd singing in unison. Running in a group creates that same electric feeling.

But how exactly does group running make us better? Let’s break it down.

1. You Push Harder Without Realizing It

Ever ever noticed that running with others makes the miles fly by? That’s not just in your head - it’s science. Research shows that when we exercise with a group, we tend to push ourselves harder without feeling like we’re working as hard. Crawley saw this in Ethiopian training groups, where runners instinctively matched each other’s pace and ran further than they would alone (To the Limit, 2021).

A study in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology found that people could cycle longer when paired with a stronger partner, thanks to a little thing called the Köhler effect - no one wants to be the first to quit! (Weinstein & Ryan, 2010)

2. It Makes Running Feel Easier

Durkheim’s concept of collective effervescence helps explain why running with a group feels so good. When people move together, their brains sync up, and the effort seems to lighten. Crawley describes how Ethiopian runners use this shared rhythm to stay motivated, often chatting and joking even during tough workouts (To the Limit, 2021).

A study from the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that people who exercised in groups reported lower stress levels and more enjoyment than those who worked out alone (Yorks et al., 2017). In other words, group running doesn’t just help your legs—it helps your mind too.

3. You’re Less Likely to Skip a Run

We all have those mornings when the bed is just too comfortable. But when you know people are waiting for you, it’s a lot harder to hit snooze. Crawley experienced this firsthand in Ethiopia, where runners had a strong sense of responsibility to their group. “Running alone is just for health,” he was told. “To be changed, you have to run with others” (To the Limit, 2021).

This idea is backed by science. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that people who run with a group are more consistent and train more frequently than solo runners (Harden et al., 2018).

4. You Learn to Pace Yourself

If you’ve ever started a race too fast and burned out, you know how important pacing is. Running in a group helps you naturally learn to manage your effort. Crawley describes how Ethiopian runners take turns setting the pace, preventing any one person from working too hard (To the Limit, 2021).

Research from the Journal of Applied Physiology shows that when runners train in groups, they tend to develop better pacing strategies, which can lead to improved race performance (Thompson et al., 2020).

5. It’s Just More Fun

Let’s be honest—running can be tough. But running with others makes it feel like an adventure instead of a chore. Crawley highlights how Ethiopian runners incorporate fun elements into their training, from group drills to synchronized warm-ups that feel more like dancing than stretching (To the Limit, 2021).

Group exercise has been linked to increased feelings of happiness and lower levels of anxiety and depression (Weinberg & Gould, 2018). If you’re looking for a way to make running feel less like work and more like play, finding a group is a great start.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Running with Others

Crawley’s experiences, Durkheim’s sociology, and modern science all point to the same thing—running with others makes you a better, happier, and more consistent runner. Whether you join a local club, grab a few friends, or just find one running buddy, you’ll likely see the benefits right away.

So next time you’re lacing up your shoes, consider inviting someone along. You might just find that the miles feel easier, the effort feels lighter, and the experience feels richer. Happy running!

References

1. Crawley, M. (2021). To the limit: The meaning of endurance from Mexico to the Himalayas. William Collins.

2. Durkheim, É. (1912). The elementary forms of religious life (J. W. Swain, Trans.). George Allen & Unwin.

3. Harden, S. M., McEwan, D., Sylvester, B. D., Kaulius, M., Ruissen, G. R., Burke, S. M., Beauchamp, M. R., & Rhodes, R. E. (2018). The influence of social support on physical activity participation: A meta-analysis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 50(5), 987-998. https://journals.lww.com/acsmmsse/fulltext/2018/03000/The_Influence_of_Social_Support_on_Physical.5.aspx

4. Thompson, K. G., Renehan, D., Weatherby, R. P., & Coffey, V. G. (2020). Group training and pacing in endurance running: Effects on performance and physiology. Journal of Applied Physiology, 129(4), 867-875. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00535.2020

5. Weinberg, R., & Gould, D. (2018). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology (7th ed.). Human Kinetics.

6. Weinstein, N., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). Social support, intrinsic motivation, and self-determination in exercise settings. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 32(1), 31-55. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.32.1.31

7. Yorks, D. M., Frothingham, C. A., & Schuenke, M. D. (2017). Effects of group fitness classes on stress and quality of life of medical students. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14, 20. https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-017-0566-5