Two years ago, I joined a running club in order to expand my social circle. I have tried clubs in major cities like London, Barcelona, and Lisbon. What began as a simple fitness trend has morphed into a new kind of dating scene; running clubs often double as low-pressure alternatives to apps, where attraction builds through repeated, in-person encounters. Even though I have made amazing friends from running clubs, exchanging pizza and wine at house parties, the dating aspect of it has become a problem. It’s clear everyone is here for only one goal: women are whispering about who their type is, while the men are hitting on the newest girl to join the club.  But beneath the promise of organic connection, these communities often reproduce the same dynamics as online dating: ghosting, disposability and romantic churn.  My friend went on a date a few months ago with someone from the running club in Lisbon. The guy had originally asked her out during the post run coffee meet-up.…