Run first, burger later: Why running groups formed by eateries are gaining popularity in Singapore

His mother Teo Hwee Ping, 40, said: “It was a good bonding experience for the both of us and he had a lot of fun. That 5km was the farthest he’s run, but there was no pressure to run fast.

“This time, I thought that 7km would be a bit long, but he insisted that he’s able to do it and wanted to come.”

Refreshments after running are also offered at runs organised by Latin American restaurant Chimi’s and cafe Hello Arigato.

Chimi’s Run Club, too, prioritises socialising over running fast. Sessions take place every Tuesday and see an average of 30 runners. Each session costs $5 and runners receive a drink voucher they can redeem after their run.

A Chimi’s spokesperson said: “We want to encourage people to move and enjoy the social side of fitness without feeling intimidated.

“The idea is simple: Come down, enjoy a run or walk around the bay, then have a pint or a meal afterwards with new friends.”

Beyond regular runs, Chimi’s has also organised larger events, such as a “rave” in May – when 200 participants completed a 5km run before grooving to high-tempo music played by a live DJ at Marina Bay – and hopes to continue doing so.

Regular sports event organisers and runners said the emergence of such groups helps widen the sport’s reach.

Vanessa Chong, who frequently takes part in major annual events such as the Singapore Marathon and Great Eastern Women’s Run, noted that the scene was not as diverse when she started running in 2018.

The 36-year-old doctor said: “The social element of such runs draws in younger crowds because they can broaden their social circles and even meet potential partners.

“Some movement is better than none for the general population. It can be quite hard for someone to keep at it if their goal is not performance, so having that social element can make it easier for them.”

Infinitus Productions managing director Jeffrey Foo said that it is unlikely that non-fitness brands are trying to generate sales from such events; instead, he feels they are simply attempting to engage consumers in a different way.

Foo, whose company organised events such as the Illumi Run and Lazada Run, said: “Consumers are more picky about what gives them more value… what consumers get from it – what’s in the goodie bag, what’s so special about the run.

“If I pay $35 for a run and get a meal and other goodies, it’s good value and it’s as simple as that.”

While Elvin Ting, TriFactor Asia founder and managing director of sport and wellness events company Orange Room, appreciates the unique element of such events, he is unsure of their longevity after the novelty wears off.

He said: “It’s a good starting point. Different people are motivated differently and it is difficult for a single organiser to be all-encompassing.

“A lot of concepts are good the first time because people want to try them, but the question is how sustainable they are – how many times do I want to do a Colour Run or a Shack Run?

“It’s natural for people to start with fun runs that are usually more manageable like 5km or 10km, but if they just stop at one, that defeats the purpose.”