New Breed Runners: A Tight-Knit Crew That Energized Zurich’s Urban Running Scene

Founded on July 4, 2023, in Zurich, Switzerland, New Breed Runners quickly became a vibrant part of the city’s running culture. The crew emerged from the shared vision of five passionate runners—Tom, Sebb, Antonia, Noah, and Simone—each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the group. Although their time together was brief, New Breed Runners made a lasting impression by redefining how community and running intertwined in this dynamic Alpine city.

Five Captains Steering the Crew Every member of New Breed Runners was a leader in their own right. Tom pushed the pace, inspiring the crew to test their speed limits. Sebb’s steady endurance guided long, adventurous runs that became cherished challenges. Antonia, with her triathlon experience, offered multisport insights to broaden members’ athletic horizons. Noah captured the crew’s milestones through photography, preserving moments that celebrated their progress. Simone infused an alpine spirit into the group, sharing knowledge from her ski touring and climbing adventures. Their combined expertise created a multifaceted and supportive environment.

Running As Connection and Community New Breed Runners was more than a running group; it was a community committed to shared experience and mutual encouragement. Their guiding belief was simple: no one should run alone. Whether seasoned runners or newcomers, members found a place to grow, be challenged, and celebrate each other’s journeys. The crew’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere welcomed diverse runners, fostering genuine connections across abilities and backgrounds.

Thursday Evenings at Lochergut The crew’s signature run took place every Thursday at 7 p.m., gathering at the Lochergut tram station in the heart of Zurich. These easy-paced runs ranged from 8 to 10 kilometres and often divided into pace groups to suit all levels. This weekly ritual combined the energy of urban exploration with the camaraderie of running in good company, offering members a steady rhythm amid the city’s vibrant life.

An Open Invitation to Runners New Breed Runners welcomed anyone looking to join a spirited, close-knit community. Their approach embraced acceptance and fun as much as fitness, encouraging runners to connect and grow together. Though the crew no longer runs together, their story remains a reminder of the power of running as a social experience in Zurich.

Zurich’s Diverse Running Landscape Within Zurich’s active running scene, New Breed Runners stood alongside other vibrant crews like Trail Maniacs Zurich, known for trail running in the surrounding mountains, and 612run, a community emphasizing joyful exploration of the city streets. Together, these crews illustrated Zurich’s rich diversity of running styles and social engagement.

Zurich’s Urban and Natural Playground Zurich offers a stunning backdrop for runners—its blend of historic architecture, lively neighbourhoods, and nearby natural wonders creates a unique running environment. Paths along Lake Zurich and the Limmat River or the city’s pulsating streets all provided routes where members could experience both the serenity of nature and the energy of urban life.

Routes That Blend City and Nature New Breed Runners embraced routes that combined scenic beauty with urban character. The runs around Lochergut and along the lakeshore showcased Zurich’s charm, with easy access to both green spaces and cultural landmarks. This balance reflected the crew’s philosophy of merging fitness with the joy of discovery.

Zurich’s Running Events as Community Catalysts The city’s calendar features prominent races such as the Zürich Marathon and the Swissalpine Marathon, events that energized local runners and visiting athletes alike. These races offered New Breed Runners and others opportunities to unite, challenge themselves, and celebrate running’s spirit in the region’s stunning settings.