Red Snakes Milano: The Pioneers Running Their City "For Revenge"
In the early 2010s, at a time when running was just starting to be seen as a "cool" activity in Milan, a new movement began. The crew grew from the early days of the Nike+ Run Club, and in 2015, they experienced a rebirth. Nike officially gave them the brand and name "Red Snakes Milano," and a core group of friends, led by figures like Gennaro, decided to build something totally different and independent. Their first official appearance as this new entity was at the 2015 Copenhagen Half Marathon, and they have since become a foundational part of the global running crew scene.
A Philosophy of 'Revenge' and Reclaiming the City
The philosophy of the Red Snakes is a powerful statement of urban reclamation. Their famous slogan, "We run Milano for revenge," speaks to their origins. When the crew started, Milan was not a city made for runners; it was full of cars and traffic with very few safe spaces to run. The crew was created to "reclaim the city by running," taking back the streets on foot and proving that the asphalt is not just for cars. This mission is reinforced by their choice of the snake as their logo, a historical symbol of the city of Milan, marking the crew as an intrinsically urban and local force.
The community of the Red Snakes is built on a foundation of positive vibes and a deep nod to Italian family values, where every member is valued above all else. This creates a tight-knit and incredibly supportive environment. Their influence extends far beyond their weekly runs; they are a key part of the global Bridge the Gap (BTG) movement, which unites urban running crews worldwide. They are also dedicated to giving back, running for charities like Sport Senza Frontiere, which works with disadvantaged children through sport.
Weekly Runs and Legendary Cheer Zones
The culture of the Red Snakes is a vibrant mix of consistent training and social connection. The crew gathers for weekly runs in Milan's iconic Parco Sempione, an activity that often leads to beloved group dinners where the family bond is strengthened. However, they are perhaps most famous for their incredible presence on race day. Having learned from other international crews, they always send a group to create a high-energy cheer zone at major races, complete with confetti and smoke bombs, believing that the more energy you put into the city, the more you get in return.
Red Snakes Milano is more than a crew; it's a family. They extend a warm invitation to any runner in the city who is inspired by their spirit and their story. For those looking to be part of a pioneering community with a deep passion for running and friendship, they are encouraged to connect via their official social media channels.
The Milan Running Scene
As the undisputed pioneers, Red Snakes helped create the vibrant running scene that thrives in Milan today. They share the city with other excellent crews, including the large and well-organized Urban Runners, the first crew in the city by number of members, and the energetic, women-focused Flying Girls Milano. This rich and diverse ecosystem makes Milan a true European hub for the run crew movement.
The city of Milan is the fast-paced capital of fashion and finance in Italy. This high-energy urban environment provides the perfect backdrop for a passionate and gritty running crew. From their home base at Parco Sempione, the crew has access to the heart of the city, running past historic landmarks and through stylish modern districts. The premier racing events in the city are the Telepass Milano Marathon in the spring and the historic Stramilano Half Marathon.