Private Road Running Club: The Seoul-based Crew with a Heart for Inclusivity
In March 2013, three friends in Seoul, South Korea, combined their love for running and creative work. They founded the People’s Republic of Running Club (PRRC), also known as Private Road Running Club, with the mission to provide a tool to introduce running crews and connect runners from all over the planet. This crew is a hub for running teams and their cohorts, about being a part of a transnational social phenomenon and promoting mutuality, acceptance, and fun.
Private Road Running Club – A Crew Founded on Inclusivity
Hypebeast Korea editor-in-chief Hwanghah Jeong, graphic designer Hyein Lee, and photographer Yeonggyun Kang were the brains behind PRRC. They share a passion for inclusivity as a group, and the club’s name, “Private”, initially reflected the tight-knit community of friends they started with. Over time, however, the group atmosphere changed, and they adopted a more open-door policy to include people from all walks of life.
Group Runs with #CrewLove
And then there’s James, their frontman, spokesman, and pacemaker for the crew since the beginning. The crew’s core value is #CrewLove. Inclusivity is at the heart of Korean culture, as reflected in the language that uses collective pronouns. By including others, the experience of running together becomes accentuated. It’s no more extended exercise or a task. The group runs for PRRC are fun runs, and the typical routes range from 7 to 12 kilometres. On Sundays, Private Road Running Club has a separate group that does track intervals and long runs, preparing for a marathon or race.
Private Road Running Club’s unique brand image and culture
Private Road Running Club is unique in that it developed organically due to the creative nature of the group. The crew’s warmth, energy, and core values represent the city they live in and their street culture grassroots. As a result, they welcome people of all backgrounds and skill levels to join them for runs and events. And this inclusivity is not only reflected in their actions and brand image and created by their creative director, Make-1.
Running and Exploring Seoul
Running with PRRC offers more than exercise. It’s also an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Seoul. This bustling metropolis has a rich history and culture, mixing ancient palaces, modern skyscrapers, and street markets.
From Han River Park to Namsan Park and Beyond
Seoul is a city with a plethora of running spots, ranging from scenic parks to urban routes. One of the most popular and well-known running destinations in Seoul is the Han River Park, which runs along both sides of the Han River and offers a flat, paved trail for runners to enjoy. Another great option is Namsan Park, located in the heart of Seoul and offers a challenging uphill run with stunning city views. For those who prefer a more urban setting, the Cheonggyecheon Stream provides a unique running experience with its central location and vibrant atmosphere. Other popular running spots in Seoul include Olympic Park, Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and World Cup Park. With so many options, Seoul runners will find a spot that suits their preferences and running style.
Discovering the Rich History and Breathtaking Views of Seoul
One must-visit destination is Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony, tour the palace, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, hanbok. Another must-see attraction is the Namsan Seoul Tower, a 480-meter-high tower on Namsan Mountain. Visitors can take a cable car to the top for panoramic city views and enjoy a romantic night view of Seoul.
Running Events in Seoul
Seoul hosts various running events throughout the year that attract runners from all over the world. Some of the most popular events include the Seoul International Marathon, which takes place every March and attracts elite and recreational runners. This race is an excellent opportunity for runners to see some of Seoul’s most famous landmarks, such as the Han River, Namsan Mountain, and Gwanghwamun Square.
The Seoul Marathon
The Seoul Marathon is not only a challenging race but also a unique way to experience the vibrant city of Seoul. The Seoul Marathon is one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious marathons, attracting runners from around the world. The event takes place every March and includes a full marathon, half marathon, and 10K race. The course takes runners through the heart of Seoul, passing by many of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower. The atmosphere of the marathon is electric, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on runners and live music performances along the course.
Other races
Another popular event is the Seoul Race for the Children, which raises funds for children in need and features a 10K race and a 3K family run. The Seoul International Women’s Marathon, held in November, is another popular event that attracts female runners worldwide. I
In addition to these large-scale events, there are smaller, community-based events like the Seoul Running Festival, which offers a variety of distances for runners of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, Seoul has a running event to enjoy.
Another popular event is the Seoul Race, held in November. This race has options for all skill levels, from a 5K to a full marathon, and takes runners through some of the city’s most beautiful parks and landmarks.
Other Running Crews in Seoul
PRRC is not the only crew in Seoul with a passion for running. There are many other groups in the city that share this love.
Wausan30
Wausan30 is a running crew based in Hongdae, Seoul, that caters to runners of all skill levels. The crew was founded in 2011 and has become a prominent fixture in Seoul’s running scene. They organize weekly runs on Monday and Thursday evenings and regular races and events.
Jam Sil Running Club
The Jam Sil Running Club is a Seoul-based running crew that focuses on building a strong sense of community among its members. They offer regular training sessions and opportunities to participate in races and events locally and internationally.
Dogani Running Crew
Dogani Running Crew is a Seoul-based running crew that emphasizes teamwork and camaraderie. They offer regular training sessions, races, and social events to build community among their members.
Rush
Rush is a Seoul-based running crew that emphasizes fitness and fun. They offer regular training sessions, races, and social events to build community among their members. They also promote healthy living and an active lifestyle.
Night 1 Running Club
N1RC, or the Night 1 Running Club, is a Seoul-based running crew that offers nighttime runs for those who prefer to run after work or in the evening. They also organize regular races and events, emphasizing inclusivity and community in the running.
Running with Kyunghee
Running with Kyunghee is a Seoul-based running crew promoting a healthy lifestyle. They offer regular training sessions, social events, and races to build community among their members.
Crewghost
Crewghost is a running crew based in Seoul that emphasizes building a solid community through running. They offer regular training sessions, races, and social events to foster a sense of belonging among their members.
1991runners
1991runners is a Seoul-based running crew that promotes a healthy lifestyle and builds community among its members. They offer regular training sessions and opportunities to participate in races and events locally and internationally.
Mutant
Mutant is a Seoul-based running crew that emphasizes inclusivity and community. They offer regular training sessions, races, and social events to build a sense of belonging among their members.
Happy Feet
Happy Feet is a Seoul-based running crew that focuses on building a strong sense of community among its members. They offer regular training sessions, races, and social events to foster a sense of belonging among their members. They also promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Modu Running Crew
Modu Running Crew is a community that promotes running to maintain a healthy lifestyle and build a strong community. The crew was founded in 2016 and aims to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle while creating a supportive community that encourages personal growth.
Ucon Seoul
Ucon Seoul is a running crew that combines running with fashion and design. The crew was founded in 2018 and participated in various running events.
Social Running Crew Seoul
Social Running Crew Seoul is a community of runners who believe running should be a social and fun activity. They organize weekly runs and social events, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for runners of all levels. The crew was founded in 2017.
Open Run Seoul
Open Run Seoul is a running community that connects runners from all over Seoul. They organize weekly runs and participate in various running events throughout the year. Their mission is to promote the benefits of running and create a community of runners who support and encourage each other.