Discovering the Black Toes Running Team: Shanghai’s Speediest and Swaggiest Crew
In September 2019, a group of seven distance runners from Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai decided to create a running crew with speed and swag. That’s how the Black Toes Running Team (BTRT) was born, founded by Jam, a full-time creative and part-time musician living in Shanghai.
A Lack of Speed and Swag in Shanghai
Jam noticed that no running crew in Shanghai embodied the Speed and Swag mentality. The city had plenty of runners but none with the vibe and attitude that Jam and his friends sought. They wanted to create a crew that stood out for their running skills and unique style and approach to the sport.
Proud of Their Black Toes
The BTRT crew sees their Black Toes as an honour rather than a sports injury. For them, it’s a legacy of hard training and dedication to the sport. They wear their black toenails with pride, knowing that it belongs to those willing to put in the effort, time, and energy to become better runners.
Creating Content to Share Their Story
The BTRT team believes that every runner has a story to tell, so they create content to share their experiences. They are not just hardcore runners but also self-proclaimed “swag runners”. They want to change people’s perspectives on marathons and marathoners and showcase the unique and fun side of the sport.
Running with the BTRT Crew
If you want to join the BTRT crew, you can find them running on Miao Jiang Road for LSD/Saturday morning or at the Lu Wan Stadium for interval runs on Wednesday evenings. They have a variety of pace groups running at 5:30, 5:00, 4:30, and 4:00. Their LSD runs range from 20km to 30km, and their interval track sessions range from 400m to 12km.
Black Toes Running Team – In A Nutshell
If you want to join the Black Toes Running Team, contact them on their website or social media channels. They welcome runners of all levels who share their passion for running and swag. Joining their crew is not just about running; it’s about being part of a community of like-minded individuals who love to run and have fun.
Running in Shanghai
Shanghai is a city with a rich history and culture, and it’s also a great place to run. You can explore the beautiful waterfront of the Bund or run through the city’s many parks, such as Fuxing Park or Century Park. The city also has many running events throughout the year, such as the Shanghai International Marathon, which attracts runners worldwide.
Exploring Shanghai on Foot: A Runner’s Guide to the City’s Best Routes and Spots
Shanghai, the largest city in China, is an excellent place for running enthusiasts. With a vast network of roads, parks, and tracks, Shanghai offers plenty of opportunities for runners to explore the city while getting their daily dose of exercise. The city has several famous running spots, such as Miao Jiang Road, popular among runners for long-distance runs on Saturday mornings. This scenic route takes runners along the Huangpu River, past several historical landmarks, and offers stunning city skyline views.
Another popular running spot is the Lu Wan Stadium, which hosts regular track sessions for runners on Wednesday evenings. The stadium offers a safe and well-maintained track for interval training, with distances ranging from 400 meters to 12 kilometres. The city also hosts several running events throughout the year, including marathons, half marathons, and fun runs. These events are a great way to meet other runners and experience the city’s vibrant culture and history. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, Shanghai has something for everyone. With its beautiful parks, scenic routes, and active running community, Shanghai is truly a runner’s paradise.
Pounding the Pavement: Running Events in Shanghai
Shanghai is a city that loves running, and there is no shortage of events to participate in. The city hosts several marathons throughout the year, including the Shanghai International Marathon, which attracts runners worldwide. This event is held annually in November and features a full marathon, half marathon, and 10k race. The route takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Xintiandi.
Another popular running event is the Shanghai Half Marathon, held in April yearly. This race is an excellent opportunity for runners to experience the city’s culture and history while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In addition to these significant events, Shanghai hosts several smaller races and fun runs throughout the year, catering to runners of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a serious runner looking for a challenge or a casual jogger looking for fun, Shanghai has something for everyone.
Other Running Crews in Shanghai
While the BTRT crew is the speediest and waggiest crew in Shanghai. The One Crew is another popular group with weekly runs and training sessions for runners of all levels.