‘Plogging’ fitness trend is taking over New York City’s dirty streets — and keeping people in shape

March 19, 2026

Move over boring, old run club — picking up trash while jogging with pals is the hot new fitness trend.

Run clubs have become increasingly popular as a way to exercise, forge friendships and make romantic connections, and now some New Yorkers are taking their passion a step further by cleaning the streets as they move.

Plogging — the eco-friendly fitness movement that combines jogging and the Swedish phrase “plocka upp,” meaning “pick up” — has been steadily growing with devotees around the world.

For Tina Muir, a sustainability advocate, her introduction to the activity was through plogging events hosted by New York Road Runners, a Manhattan-based nonprofit that caters to runners of all ages and abilities. NEW YORK POST