Rundamental: The Istanbul Crew Proving That "Good People Run Together"
In 2014, a group of running enthusiasts began running together in the heart of Istanbul. By 2015, this group of good friends who had become a big family through a shared passion for running officially became the crew known as Rundamental. They are more than just a running crew; they are a community of visionary and creative folks who love to chat, hang out, train, and travel together, all while working to make a positive impact on the sport they love.
A Philosophy of Friendship and Shared Limits
The philosophy of Rundamental is beautifully captured in their simple and profound motto: "We believe good people run together." This guiding principle has created a crew that feels like a large, supportive family. Their mission is not just about running for themselves, but about creating new projects and "adventures" that actively promote the running lifestyle. Within the crew, members inspire and motivate each other to better understand and push their own limits, fostering a culture of collective growth and shared achievement.
A key and noble part of Rundamental's vision is their commitment to supporting young athletes. They have established a dedicated program to help nurture the next generation of Turkish runners, providing them with resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. This focus on giving back to the sport and investing in its future is a core part of their identity, setting them apart as a truly community-focused organization.
Training, Traveling, and Togetherness
The culture of Rundamental is social, creative, and ambitious. Their activities are centered around a consistent weekly training schedule that caters to a variety of goals. Their main event is a track session held every Tuesday at the Enka Sports Club. They also host other runs throughout the week, including long runs on Sundays. Beyond training, they are a community that loves to travel together for races, strengthening the bonds of their running family through shared adventures.
Rundamental extends a warm invitation to any runner in Istanbul who is looking for a supportive family that values friendship, mutual inspiration, and the joy of running together. For those who believe that "good people run together," they are encouraged to connect with the crew via their official social media channels and website for the latest information on their runs and projects.
The Istanbul Running Scene
As a long-standing and influential crew, Rundamental is a central pillar of Istanbul's vibrant running ecosystem. They share the city's streets with a multitude of other excellent crews, including the massive and inclusive BEAT Run Crew, the content-driven trail pioneers TEAM RUN.BO, and the influential No Reason Co., which grew out of the original Nike Run Club pacers. This rich and collaborative community makes Istanbul a truly exciting city for runners.
The city of Istanbul offers a unique and dynamic environment for runners. As the only metropolis in the world to straddle two continents, its landscape is a breathtaking blend of ancient history and buzzing modernity. Running here is a captivating experience, whether it's along the scenic Bosphorus Strait, through historic neighborhoods, or in the city's lush forests.
The runners of Istanbul have an incredible and diverse landscape to explore from the heart of the city. A favorite route for many is along the scenic Bosphorus Strait on the European side, passing through beautiful neighborhoods like Bebek. For a true escape into nature, the vast Belgrade Forest, with its miles of shaded trails, offers the perfect terrain for a challenging workout. The premier racing event in the city is the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon, the only marathon in the world where participants run from Asia to Europe by crossing the iconic Bosphorus Bridge.
