Axios

Running is lapping other sports across fitness trackers, and Gen Z is setting the pace.

Why it matters: During a loneliness crisis and remote work era, running is one way to release stress and make new friends.

• Between the lines: Young singles are also joining running clubs to find dates. Content creator Cindy Sandjo, 29, told The New York Times her followers said these groups "are the new dating apps."

By the numbers: 84% of Strava users tell the fitness tracker company their No. 1 reason for exercising is social connection.

• Gen Z is 29% more likely than millennials to work out with another person at least some of the time.
• Also, runners are 85% more likely to log a personal record when running in a group of two or more versus a solo run.

Zoom in: In Philadelphia, Kellen Matthews tells The Inquirer that a running club led him down a path of sobriety and eventually to participate in a Philly Marathon. He's become so passionate about how running can change lives, he recently started the Recovery Run Club.

• "The hardest part is just showing up," he told the outlet.

Analis' thought bubble: As someone who recently joined a running club to network and find community, my biggest takeaway is that there is a club for everyone — walkers, runners and everything in between.

Richmond has zero major league sports teams — but sports is big business in the area regardless, thanks to folks coming to town for amateur and youth games.

Why it matters: Sports tourism generated $2.7 billion in direct spending across Virginia in 2022, up 12% from 2021.