The Story of Run Squad CGN – A Crew Running Experience
If you are a runner, you know how amazing it is to be part of a community that shares the same enthusiasm and joy for running. You get to meet like-minded people from all walks of life, run together, and make new friends. That’s exactly what Jasmina experienced during her crew running experience in 2013/2014 with Run Pack. When she returned to Cologne, she missed the community and decided to start her own crew.
The Idea of Run Squad CGN
Jasmina spoke with one of the captains from Run Pack and suggested the idea of founding “Run Pack Cologne”. Unfortunately, the captains refused the idea, stating that every city should have its own crew. But that did not stop Jasmina from pursuing her dream of creating a running crew in Cologne. Jasmina was determined to create her own crew in Cologne.
The Early Days
During the early days, Jasmina and her crew would run together on weekends. She convinced them to give the crew a name, design a logo, and find a headquarters. They also fixed a date for their runs and published everything on Facebook. Jasmina vividly remembers the afternoon they spent brainstorming cool names and logo ideas over coffee. They had to put in a lot of effort before they finally started to “sell themselves” to the public. , so she enlisted the help of her friends – Florian, Ines, Robin, Christopher, and Maggie – to establish the crew. In March 2015, Run Squad CGN was founded, and they hit the ground running.
The Growth of the Crew
It took two years for Run Squad CGN to become recognized, and people began to notice them. They received several inquiries from runners who wanted to join the crew. Until then, Jasmina messaged every runner around via Facebook, asking if they wanted to join the crew.
The Crew Today
Run Squad CGN has grown into a close-knit community, more like a group of friends than a club. They hang out together a lot and support each other in their running journeys. The crew is now one of the fastest in Germany and prides itself on training hard, playing hard, and being proud of their Squad members. Run Squad CGN trains on Tuesday, Thursday, and on weekends with regular training days, track sessions, and long runs. Their running schedule is rigorous, but it is the perfect opportunity for the crew to stay in shape and bond as a community.
Running in Cologne
Running in Cologne is a great experience as the city offers a mix of urban and natural environments to explore. The city has several parks, such as the Stadtgarten, the Volksgarten and the Rheinpark, which provide scenic running routes for those who prefer a more natural setting. For those who prefer running through the city streets, the historic city center and its vibrant neighborhoods offer a variety of routes with different levels of difficulty. With the River Rhine flowing through the city, runners can enjoy a refreshing breeze and breathtaking views while running along its banks. Cologne is also a pedestrian-friendly city, with many dedicated pedestrian and bike paths, making it a safe and enjoyable place to run. Whether you are a local or a visitor, running in Cologne is an excellent way to discover the city’s hidden gems while staying active and healthy.
Running Events in Cologne
Cologne has a vibrant running scene with a variety of running events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Cologne Marathon, which takes place in October and attracts thousands of runners from around the world. The course takes you through the heart of the city, passing by famous landmarks such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Rhine River. Other popular events include the Generali Köln Marathon, or the Kölner Nachtlauf, which is a nighttime run through the illuminated streets of Cologne. With such a wide range of running events in the city, there is always something for every runner to participate in and enjoy.
Conclusion
Being part of a running crew is more than just running together – it’s about being part of a community. Run Squad Cologne is a prime example of how a community of runners can come together, bond, and create something amazing. If you’re a runner in Cologne, consider joining Run Squad CGN or any of the other fantastic running crews in the city. Running with a crew is an experience that will change your life.