Dr Sunny Sui-Kwong Lam | Running Together Apart: How a Runners’ Group Stayed Connected During Lockdown

Dr. Lam’s research looked closely at how community-led digital communication can sustain people’s physical and mental health during times of disruption. To do so, he conducted an in-depth online study of how the Hong Kong Harbour Runners stayed connected through Instagram. He analysed 81 Instagram posts shared by the Harbour Runners between January and September 2020, when in-person group runs were suspended. He also interviewed 11 members to understand their experiences, motivations, and emotional journeys during this period.

The study found that the group’s online presence became a kind of “digital clubhouse”. Through photos, captions, emojis, and hashtags like #HRsolonotsolo, members recreated the sense of belonging they normally felt during their weekly runs.

Old photos of smiling runners under Hong Kong’s banyan trees reminded them of togetherness, while “challenge posts” and motivational quotes encouraged self-regulated exercise. For example, the “HR 2020 Challenge” invited participants to collectively record over 8,000 minutes of solo running and workouts, transforming isolation into teamwork.

Dr. Lam grounded his analysis in self-determination theory, which highlights three psychological needs that drive motivation: feeling competent, having autonomy, and experiencing a sense of connection with others. The Harbour Runners’ online interactions fulfilled all three. Members supported each other’s progress, shared tips and running routes, and adapted to new constraints such as masked running and social distancing. Even simple Instagram “likes” acted as affirmations of belonging and encouragement.

The study also uncovered a subtle emotional benefit: members reported feeling calmer, more purposeful, and less lonely when they engaged with the community online. As Dr. Lam noted, these collective digital actions didn’t just keep people fit – they helped them stay psychologically resilient.

Dr. Lam’s findings indicate that social media communication and self-regulated exercises can provide powerful insights for community wellbeing. When social and physical barriers arise – whether from a pandemic or other disruptions – community-led groups can use social media not merely to communicate, but to care.