PUMA India Partners with Bumble to Launch Singles-Only Running Event for Young Adults

In an innovative collaboration set to redefine dating and social interactions, PUMA India has teamed up with Bumble, the women-first dating app, to bring a fresh experience for young adults. The two brands have merged the worlds of sports and dating by announcing a singles-only running event, aimed at connecting like-minded individuals in person. The event is set to take place on November 10th in Bengaluru, just ahead of Singles' Day (November 11th), offering a trend-setting opportunity for young adults to meet, mingle, and bond over shared interests.

The event, designed for individuals aged 21 to 35 years, will feature a 3km run starting from Nexus Koramangala Mall. After the run, participants will have the chance to relax and socialize at a mixer, further enhancing the opportunity for connections and meaningful conversations in a fun, active setting.

Recent data reveals that Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly drawn to immersive, social experiences. In India, shared interests in sports have been shown to be an effective way of forming connections. According to a Bumble survey, nearly 72 percent of Indians would be open to going on a sports-themed first date, while 44 percent view a lack of interest in sports as a dealbreaker. These insights have fueled the partnership between PUMA India and Bumble, both of which seek to foster meaningful connections through a shared passion for sport.

Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India said, “At PUMA India, we are committed to looking for novel ways of engaging with our young consumers and bringing them together through the power of sport. Finding a like-minded partner in Bumble, who shares our vision of creating unique properties for youngsters to meet and connect, with is exciting. We strongly believe that the running community is a great opportunity for people to meet, jointly experience the thrill of this fantastic sport, and make new memories. Together with Bumble, we have created a differentiated meeting experience that is all about movement, and energy, and in turn, fosters a vibrant running community in the country. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned together for the run and the year ahead.”

Pracheta Mazumdar, India Senior Marketing Manager, Bumble shared, “With the growth of sports documentaries and international competitions, sports is playing a bigger role in how we connect so it’s not surprising that it’s also showing up in a big way in dating. Our research shows that for 1 in 3 single Indians, a shared love of sports has now become a ‘must have’ regardless of whether they actively participate in sports or just watch it. This reflects a changing approach amongst singles to fit their dating life into their personal lives, focusing on turning what they already enjoy into a date instead of treating dates as a separate activity. We're excited to partner with PUMA India to bring this to life with a singles run that allows our Bumble community to meet like-minded people in a relaxed and fun setting, reducing the pressures often associated with dating.“

Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India stated, “We at Havas have always believed in fostering meaningful connections through our meaningful media ethos. This collaboration between PUMA India and Bumble - two extremely popular youth-oriented global brands for the singles-only run is a testament to the human need for connection and companionship. The stage is set for singles to bond through this unique platform, which is a delightful mix of fitness and fun. This collaboration is just what is needed to bring in a spirit of freshness and community building in the lives of youngsters who will be participating in the run.”

As a leading sports brand in India, PUMA India has long been an advocate for running and fitness, sponsoring major events like the Vedanta Delhi Half-Marathon, the Ladakh Marathon, and the Nitro 5k and 10k runs. With this new collaboration, PUMA continues to build a strong running community while partnering with Bumble to inspire connections through sport. This is just the beginning of many more experiences that aim to bring people together in an active, inclusive environment.