Akarunners: Berlin's Nomadic Running Crew
In the spring of 2018, two runners from different athletic backgrounds came together to create a new kind of running community in Berlin. Akarunners was founded in May by Artur, a former football player who turned to running after a cruciate ligament injury, and Edo, a natural runner who had excelled on his school's athletics team. They wanted to build a crew for people like themselves: passionate runners seeking connection but needing flexibility. Their solution was a nomadic crew, unbound by a single location and open to everyone.
The philosophy of Akarunners emerged from the personal journeys of its founders. Artur's switch from team sports to solo running after an injury highlighted the need for camaraderie, while Edo's lifelong passion sparked the competitive element. Together, they imagined a crew that could serve motivated individuals whose busy lives made regular participation with traditional clubs difficult. By creating a flexible structure, they aimed to lower barriers and focus on sharing a love for running and connecting with others.
Throughout their active years, Akarunners cultivated a friendly and welcoming community. Their model of changing locations for each run reflected their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that no one was excluded because of their neighborhood. Their group photos show a diverse group of people united by a simple goal: to run and enjoy the city together.
The most unique aspect of Akarunners was their nomadic culture. Instead of a fixed weekly meeting spot, the crew announced a new location for each run, selecting spots that were easily accessible for everyone on that particular day. This approach not only made it easier for people from all over Berlin to join but also transformed every run into an exploration of the city's diverse landscapes. One week, they might be sprinting along Kreuzberg’s canals; the next, looping through Volkspark Friedrichshain or enjoying the open spaces of Tempelhofer Feld.
From 2018 to 2022, Akarunners operated with an open invitation for interested runners, sharing details about their next run's time and location via Instagram. The crew has been inactive publicly since late 2022, and their current status remains unknown.
Berlin boasts one of the most vibrant and diverse running scenes in the world, offering numerous communities for runners to connect with. Run Pack Berlin, founded in 2013, is one of the city’s original party crews, known for high-energy social runs that often end with celebrations. KRAFT Runners are renowned for their intense “#geilballern” philosophy, pushing limits with fast-paced workouts and a bold attitude. The Berlin Braves are more than just runners—they function as a sports and cultural collective dedicated to empowering the younger generation through athletics and creative projects. Berlin Track Club (BTC) emphasizes team running, supporting athletes of all distances, from track to marathon. The After Work Track Club (AWTC), founded in 2022, brings together professionals after work for relaxing and social runs. Fierce Run Force champions visibility, equality, and empowerment for women and FLINTA* (Female, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Asexual) individuals through running. Collectively, these groups enhance Berlin’s reputation as a global hub for vibrant and inclusive running communities.
About the City
Berlin is a runner's paradise. The city is famously flat and fast, perfect for setting personal bests. Its expansive green spaces, historic landmarks, and lively neighborhoods offer endless route options. As it’s mid-June, the parks are in full bloom, and the long daylight hours create ideal evening running conditions. Running is deeply woven into the city's identity, with thousands taking to the streets and parks daily.Berlin provides countless iconic routes for all distances and preferences. The Tiergarten, the largest inner-city park, features a network of well-maintained paths winding through lush scenery and passing national monuments, such as the Victory Column (Siegessäule). For history enthusiasts, the Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg) is a 160-km route tracing the line of the former Berlin Wall, offering a poignant journey through the city’s past. Tempelhofer Feld, once a busy airport, is now an enormous open park with wide loops—perfect for speed work and long runs under Berlin’s vast sky.
Berlin is famous for hosting some of the world’s top races, drawing hundreds of thousands of runners each year. The BMW Berlin Marathon, held every September, is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, renowned for its flat, fast course, where records are often broken. In spring, the Generali Berlin Half Marathon attracts many international runners eager to race through the historic city center. Another major event is the adidas Runners City Night, a summer night run along Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, offering a memorable experience for participants running 5k or 10k.
