Belgrade Urban Running Team: Uniting Runners and Cultures for a Global Movement
The story of the Belgrade Urban Running Team (BURT) begins modestly in June 2014. It started with five friends gathering for a casual run through the streets of Belgrade, seeking nothing more than a bit of exercise and companionship. What they didn't realize at the time was that this informal meetup would spark something bigger, quickly transforming into a powerful running crew with over 150 dedicated members. Today, BURT is a movement driven by shared values, a love for the city, and a desire to connect cultures.
Bridging the Gaps
From those early days, BURT positioned itself as more than just a group of runners. It became a vital part of the global Bridge the Gap movement, a network of running crews worldwide dedicated to bringing different cultures closer together. They spread the crucial message of fostering connections amidst significant differences through running.
BURT's growth can be attributed to the team's close-knit friendships. As each member hails from different parts of the city, their connections naturally expanded the crew. Recognizing the importance of a healthy environment and enjoyable experiences, BURT welcomes runners of all levels, cultivating an inclusive community.
Their core message centres around embracing an active lifestyle and finding joy. They believe in constantly challenging themselves and exploring new experiences. Teamwork is a fundamental value for BURT, prioritizing collective achievements over individual success. Egos take a back seat, ensuring a relaxed and fun atmosphere where everyone contributes equally.
In a region often defined by history and borders, BURT uses running to promote connection. They challenge nationalism and xenophobia, showing that sport can bridge significant differences. Inside the team, this belief creates a fully inclusive environment. Egos are left outside. Whether a member is a marathon veteran or a beginner tying their shoes for the first time, everyone contributes equally. The focus remains on collective success rather than individual fame, fostering a relaxed, fun, and supportive atmosphere.
To understand BURT, it's essential to understand its foundation: Belgrade. The city provides a distinctive running experience, mixing ancient history with gritty urban energy.
The crew’s routes often pass through Kalemegdan Fortress, a historic site turned into a park where runners go around ancient walls and gardens, enjoying stunning views of the Sava and Danube rivers meeting. For a change of pace, they head to Ada Ciganlija, a river island with scenic, car-free paths surrounded by nature.
But BURT is also "Urban" by name and nature. They embrace the concrete, running through the vibrant Knez Mihailova Street, the sprawling blocks of Novi Beograd, and the winding streets of Zemun. They have become a staple of the city’s events, especially the annual Belgrade Half Marathon in April, when the city comes alive. Not content to participate, they also innovate, organizing events such as the Belgrade Midnight Run, which challenges participants to navigate the city streets in the dark.
Beyond Running: Community Engagement
BURT’s definition of an "active lifestyle" extends to active citizenship. They believe that the camaraderie built during runs should translate into tangible assistance for the community.
The team is deeply committed to local social causes. They collaborated with the Svratište shelter on Krfska Street, going beyond writing checks to physically help build a bathroom and a day room for those in need. They have organized clothing drives and collected donations for refugees passing through the region. On a larger scale, they participate in global campaigns like "Stop the Violence" and "Run for Peace."
Perhaps their most symbolic act of connection was participating in a relay race from Belgrade to Zagreb, a physical manifestation of their dedication to building friendships and healing old wounds in the region.
Conquering The Speed Project: From LA to Las Vegas
While their hearts are in Belgrade, their ambition knows no borders. The highlight of BURT’s journey was their participation in The Speed Project, a legendary and challenging relay race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. This wasn’t a typical race; there was no fixed route. Teams had to plan their own path across 550 kilometers of tough terrain.
BURT’s goal was ambitious: to finish in under 44 hours. Months of intense training culminated in a test of pure human endurance. Each team member had to run about 50 to 60 kilometers, divided into intense segments. They faced physical exhaustion, desert heat, and mental fatigue. Still, their teamwork proved to be their greatest strength.
Crossing the finish line in Las Vegas was a victory of spirit. It represented everything BURT stands for: the belief that through determination, support, and unity, a group of friends from Belgrade can overcome any distance. Today, the Belgrade Urban Running Team stands as a symbol of community strength.
From a casual run with five friends to an international relay across the Mojave Desert, they’ve shown that running is a way for personal growth and social change. They keep running, not just for health, but to maintain the connection between people, cultures, and communities.
