Running buddy, also known as running companion service, is now an emerging industry in China as the country’s running euphoria continues to go up.

Running companion service providers are mostly part-timers, and this very job is not their main source of income.

“I don’t run with people to make money, since I need to run anyway,” said service provider Chen Ming, an employee of a foreign enterprise in Shanghai who started running 5 years ago.

As an experienced runner, Chen has participated in a number of marathons and had gained connections among local runners.

“Some people want to run but don’t know how to do it in the right way, and I can help them with my experience and resources,” Chen said.

He started an online shop for the service in 2015, charging a one-off price of 200 RMB ($30) regardless of distance and time.

“It doesn’t matter how much I charge,” he said, believing that sometimes running could be lonely.

During the last two years, Chen has received many calls for companion service but trust issues have always been a problem that hindered his business.

“The premise for successful running companion service is mutual trust,” Chen explained.

Apart from Chen, many other running companion service providers also noted that they have been frequently approached by potential clients, but deals were seldom made.

“The number of my clients adds up to 6 or 7 at most,” said Han Tianhao, a running buddy in Shanghai. He had charged his clients at the beginning, but his companion would always run into a free service after his clients became his friends.

Han believes that the significance of a running buddy lies in the spiritual encouragement, since sluggishness is possessed by every person.