TEAM RUN.BO: Charting the Trails and Telling the Stories of Turkish Running

The story of TEAM RUN.BO began with a chance encounter at an airport in March 2015. Four runners—Bike, Ersavas, Cem, and Erdem—realized they were all heading to the same race, Runatolia, and quickly discovered their shared love for the sport. After the race, they continued to communicate and decided to start a new kind of running crew, one that would be different from the existing groups in Istanbul. By June 2015, TEAM RUN.BO was born, and they have since become trailblazers in the Turkish trail running community.

The philosophy of TEAM RUN.BO, as envisioned by its founders, is a unique entity. Their primary goal is not to become a massive crew but to provide inspiring and informative content that motivates others to start running or to learn more about the sport they already love. They see themselves as storytellers, using their website and social media to share race reports, pictures, interviews, and even vlogs and Spotify playlists that serve as perfect training companions. They were among the first to establish a crew focused mainly on trail running in Turkey, bringing a new sense of adventure to the scene.

The community of TEAM RUN.BO is a select group of passionate and adventurous runners. Their collaboration primarily focuses on the wider running world, as they dedicate their efforts to creating content that serves the entire community. By sharing their knowledge, experiences, and passion, they act as digital mentors and motivators for thousands of runners across Turkey and beyond, fostering a sense of connection that extends far beyond their immediate members.

The culture of TEAM RUN.BO is defined by adventure, creativity, and a touch of "craziness." Their activities are centered on training for and competing in challenging races, especially on the trails. They then transform these experiences into engaging content for their followers. Their lifestyle is about more than just movement; it's about documenting the journey and inspiring others to join in the adventure of running.

Joining TEAM RUN.BO is a personal and organic process. The crew is open to anyone with "some running excitement and craziness," but there is a unique requirement: a prospective member needs to have trained or raced with a current RUN.BO and receive their approval to join. This method ensures that the crew maintains its close-knit, passionate, and like-minded spirit.

TEAM RUN.BO brings a unique trail and content-driven focus to Istanbul's vibrant running scene. The city is home to a diverse array of other crews, including the massive and inclusive BEAT Run Crew, which hosts huge weekly runs on the Asian side, and the rebellious Runarchy RC. Other groups, such as No Reason Co. and Rundamental, also contribute their own unique styles to the rich tapestry of the city's running community.

Istanbul's unique geography is captivating. It is a city that offers something for every runner, from historic, flat roads to incredibly challenging trails. The city's location, straddling two continents and surrounded by water and forests, makes it a surprisingly versatile running hub and a perfect base for a trail-focused crew like TEAM RUN.BO.

While TEAM RUN.BO travels for races; their home training ground for trail running is the magnificent Belgrade Forest (Belgrad Ormanı). This vast, lush forest, located north of the city center, is an oasis for nature lovers, offering an extensive network of challenging hills and beautiful trails that make it the premier destination for trail running in Istanbul. For scenic long runs, the nearby, car-free Princess Islands offer stunning views and a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Members of TEAM RUN.BO are a regular presence at Turkey's most demanding trail races, such as the famous Cappadocia Ultra Trail and the İznik Ultra. While their focus is on the trails, they, along with other Istanbul runners, also participate in the city's major road races. The premier events are the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon, the only marathon in the world to cross from Asia to Europe, and the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon, known for its fast and historic course.