Puma India, Bumble Partner For Joint Singles Run, Combines Fitness With Social Engagement

Puma India has partnered with Bumble to embark on a singles-only running event on 10 November, offering a fresh way for young adults to connect in person ahead of Singles' Day (11 November).

Targeted at young adults aged 21–35, the singles-only run will take place in Bengaluru, starting at the Nexus Koramangala mall and following a lively 3km route. The event will wrap up with a social mixer, allowing participants to connect and bond over shared interests including a love for running.

Commenting on the partnership, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of 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, 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, energy, and in turn foster 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.”

Bumble’s recent survey found that nearly 72 per cent of Indians would be open to a sports-themed first date and 44 per cent consider a lack of interest in sports a dealbreaker. Building on this insight, Puma and Bumble have partnered to combine Puma's dedication to running with Bumble’s mission of fostering meaningful connections.

Pracheta Mazumdar, India Senior Marketing Manager, Bumble said, “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.“

Millennials and Gen Z in India increasingly seek immersive social experiences and shared interests in sports have quickly become a major factor in forming connections. The partnership of Puma India with Bumble aims to foster meaningful connections through shared passions in sports and running, marking the start of more impactful experiences.

Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India said, “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.”