Whether you're a communal runner who thrives on a chat with your friends or someone who prefers the quiet hum of nature, your location can make all the difference. With a keen eye on the social aspects of running, we've sprinted through the data to reveal the best and the not-so-great cities for running with company in the UK.

Bath leads the pack as the UK's top social running hub, with 16 sports events and races, it offers a variety of competitions that cater to runners looking for that communal race-day buzz. The presence of 810 running clubs signals a city where companionship and mutual motivation are just as important as the running itself. The city's passion for running is also a trending topic on Instagram, with 737 hashtags that highlight a vibrant community sharing their running moments and milestones.

Nestled by the sea, Brighton & Hove is a runner's paradise that offers a bustling calendar of 18 sports events and races throughout the year. It's a magnet for social runners, with 445 running clubs that serve as social hubs for runners of all levels. The city is also big on Instagram, with thousands of posts about running, showing off the beautiful seaside routes and the friendly running community.

Coming in third is Durham, with its cobbled streets and ancient architecture, may seem an unlikely runner's retreat, yet it ranks impressively. With 691 running clubs, it's a city where personal connections are made and maintained through the shared love of running. Durham is all about having a strong, supportive community, even if it's not as loud about it on Instagram or running forums.

Bath leads the pack as the UK's top social running hub, with 16 sports events and races, it offers a variety of competitions that cater to runners looking for that communal race-day buzz. The presence of 810 running clubs signals a city where companionship and mutual motivation are just as important as the running itself. The city's passion for running is also a trending topic on Instagram, with 737 hashtags that highlight a vibrant community sharing their running moments and milestones.

Nestled by the sea, Brighton & Hove is a runner's paradise that offers a bustling calendar of 18 sports events and races throughout the year. It's a magnet for social runners, with 445 running clubs that serve as social hubs for runners of all levels. The city is also big on Instagram, with thousands of posts about running, showing off the beautiful seaside routes and the friendly running community.

Coming in third is Durham, with its cobbled streets and ancient architecture, may seem an unlikely runner's retreat, yet it ranks impressively. With 691 running clubs, it's a city where personal connections are made and maintained through the shared love of running. Durham is all about having a strong, supportive community, even if it's not as loud about it on Instagram or running forums.

Stoke on Trent, with its 285 running clubs, might not be the loudest on social media or the busiest in terms of running events, but that doesn't dim its love for running. With 154 routes to explore, it suggests a community that finds joy in the journey rather than the company. The city's running scene might be more about personal milestones and the simple pleasure of a quiet run than about sharing every detail online.

Wolverhampton's 671 running clubs tell a story of a city with a deep, albeit quiet, passion for running. With only four sports events and a modest online presence, it’s a place where running might be more of a personal escape than a social call. Yet, with 263 routes at its disposal, Wolverhampton offers a rich tapestry of trails that serve as the backdrop for the city's solo runners.

Southend-on-Sea might host just one sports event and keep a low profile online, but with 232 running clubs and 164 routes, it’s clear the city has a running culture of its own. The scenic coastal paths provide a tranquil setting for runners who prefer the peaceful solitude of the sea breeze to the lively chatter of online forums or crowded race lines.

As we've looked through the varied landscapes of the UK's running communities, from the social hubs bustling with activity to the more reserved neighbourhoods where silence and solitude are more important, it's clear that the spirit of running transcends the noise of crowds and the buzz of social media. Whether you're drawn to the energy of a group start line or the rhythm of a solo run, there's a corner of the UK for every type of runner.

Now is as good a time as any to take existing friends - or to make new ones - around the UK's biggest social running hubs. So whether it's to prepare for a casual run down a beautiful trail, or training for a big race, it’s time to get your running shoes on, get outside, and start exploring!