Running Crews: Finding Community and Motivation through Running
Running has become famous for people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. While some people prefer to run solo, others have found a sense of community and motivation by joining a running crew. Running crews train together, participate in races, and support each other’s fitness goals. In this article, we’ll focus on one particular running crew, MadOne, based in Hong Kong.
The Founding of MadOne Crew
MadOne Crew was founded in April 2014 by Simon, a running coach since 2001. Simon’s experience with coaching and training runners was tested when he worked as a Nike Run Club (NRC) coach in Hong Kong for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in 2013. Simon led a team of runners who didn’t participate in regular training for three months before the race. Despite the limited training time, all team members hit their personal best in the race.
Simon saw the potential in the team members and their firm intention to achieve higher goals. He decided to design a year-long training program for them and establish MadOne. Some athletes from NRC were also welcome to join MadOne to train together. Simon also invited a few runners from his previous running crew, InvitedR, to join MadOne.
The Meaning Behind MadOne
MadOne combines two words: “Mad” and “One.” The name represents the positive attitude towards training and completing the goals, no matter how difficult or far it may be. Simon’s recognition as a “Madness coach” in the field is also reflected in the name. “One” represents community, enjoying leisure time and doing something together. The name also includes the quote, “IN A MAD WORLD, ONLY THE MAD ARE SANE”, by AKIRA KUROSAWA.
Training with MadOne
MadOne Crew members usually meet twice a week for training. On Mondays, they meet at either Sham Shui Po Sports Ground or Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground for interval training. On Fridays, they meet at Causeway Bay Sports Ground or Victoria Park for long-distance running. The running pace ranges from 3’50 to 5′ per kilometre.
MadOne encourages runners of all levels to join their crew. They welcome beginners who want to start running and experienced runners who want to improve their performance. The crew provides a supportive environment where members can share their experiences, challenges, and progress. Members of MadOne have even formed lasting friendships outside of their running crew.
Running in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant city that offers a unique experience for runners. From the bustling streets of Central to the lush greenery of Victoria Peak, there are endless possibilities for runners to explore. Running in Hong Kong can be challenging, but it’s also advantageous. The city has a large running community, and many running crews organize regular runs, training sessions, and events. These running crews offer an excellent opportunity for runners to meet new people, explore the city, and stay motivated.
Running events in Hong Kong
In addition to the running crews’ regular runs, Hong Kong hosts many running events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Hong Kong Marathon, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, and the Oxfam Trailwalker. These events attract runners worldwide and provide an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for a new challenge or a beginner looking to try your first race, there’s something for everyone in Hong Kong’s vibrant running scene.
Other Running Crews in Hong Kong
MadOne is not the only running crew in Hong Kong. Several other crews provide opportunities for runners to connect and train together. Joining a running crew is a great way to find motivation, accountability, and community while pursuing fitness goals. Whether you’re new to running or an experienced runner, there’s a crew out there for you. Consider joining a running crew in your city to enhance your running experience and make new connections. Here are some of the other running crews in Hong Kong:
Hong Kong Harbour Runners is a running crew that meets every Tuesday and Thursday night in the city’s heart. They have a wide range of running abilities, from beginners to advanced runners, and they welcome anyone who wants to join their community and run the city’s iconic routes.
Wazup Running is a diverse and inclusive crew meeting every Tuesday and Thursday night in Kowloon Park. They have a strong focus on socializing and building a sense of community among their members while also pushing each other to reach their running goals.
Prism Runners is a female-led running crew that was founded in 2015. Their mission is to empower women through running and create a supportive community for female runners in Hong Kong. They meet twice a week for interval training and long-distance runs and organize regular social events for their members.
SD Runners is a running crew that meets every Monday and Wednesday night in various locations across Hong Kong Island. They have a diverse group of runners, from casual joggers to marathon runners, and they welcome anyone who wants to join them for a run.
Foodsport is a running crew that combines their love of food and running. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday night to run around the city and organize food-related events for their members. They are a fun and social crew that welcomes anyone who wants to run and eat through Hong Kong.
Allied Shadow Unit is a running crew that was formed in 2017 in Hong Kong. With a focus on accumulating achievements through hard work, ASU is a team of dedicated athletes who support and motivate each other to reach their goals.