TONED muscles, bags of energy, top notch fitness levels, and streamlined athleticism.

It sounds like everyone’s ideal man or woman, doesn’t it?

So where do we find him or her?

A bit of logical thinking, and surely Southampton’s dozens of sports clubs could hold the answer.

Running clubs are particularly sociable – and not as scary as they might sound.

Although turning up to a training session having never run before would not be the best idea (uncontrollably puffing and panting as you desperately try to hang on in there at mile one is probably not going to endear you to the person of your dreams), there is a common misconception that running clubs are only for elite marathon runners who will leave you in their dust.

But a bit of basic fitness, and I’m assured you’ll be fine. And surely it’s worth it for the social side.

Pre-race carbo-loading meals out, postrace celebrations, trips away to races, and nights out on the town – there are plenty of reasons why social events are central to any running club.

Team Southampton, which trains at the city’s sports centre in Bassett, is thriving and currently has 20 plus members.

In the past year, the club has jetted off to Stockholm, Budapest and Dublin to take part in the cities’ marathons. This year, the marathons in London, Edinburgh and Berlin are on the club’s agenda, as well plenty of other races across the south, from 5ks to full 26.2-mile marathons.

The club trains twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a regular “training de-brief” in the pub once a week. Jo Kitley, 27, has been a Team Southampton member since she moved to the city from London about 18 months ago. Jo, a doctor at Southampton General Hospital, said: “Joining a running club is a great way to meet people.

“It’s really sociable, with regular training sessions and trips to take part in events, as well as lots of nights out.

“I’ve met loads of people and made lots of friends through the club – people I would probably never have met otherwise.

There are several couples in our running club already, so who knows about romance!

“And you don’t have to be a fantastic runner to join. There are runners of all abilities and, because the training is normally something like circuits of hills or short sprints, it’s impossible to get left behind.”

And as for romance, you could find yourself running straight into your perfect partner – literally!