Urban Runners Podgorica: The Legacy That Made Running Cool in Montenegro
In November 2017, a new movement was born on the streets of Podgorica. Urban Runners Podgorica (URPG) was founded by two childhood friends who decided to start running around their city and, with great ambition, participate in races throughout Europe. They set out to expand their group and raise the popularity of running in Montenegro's capital. Although they are no longer active, their story remains a pivotal chapter in the city's modern running culture.
A Philosophy of 'Making Running Cool'
The philosophy of URPG was to be a small crew dedicated to making running look cool. They were refreshingly honest about their abilities, stating, "We are not professionals and you won't find us in the first ranks of a race." Instead, their motivation came from their own progress, which made them train better than the day before. Their main goal was to connect with the global running community by traveling to various events and spending time with cool people from different cultures, bringing an international perspective back to their hometown.
The culture of URPG was a perfect blend of running and socializing. They believed in training and pushing themselves to improve, but they also knew how to party with great people and enjoy a good beer or two after a run. This fun-loving and balanced approach was central to their identity, making them an attractive and welcoming community for people in their city.
Although Urban Runners Podgorica is no longer active, its legacy is defined by the ambitious and welcoming spirit it embodied. They successfully created a community that was dedicated to raising the profile of running in their city. Their story remains an inspiration for runners in Podgorica, a testament to the power of a few friends to start a movement.
The Podgorica Running Scene
As a pioneering crew, URPG helped to build the foundation for the modern running scene in Podgorica. The capital of Montenegro is also home to more traditional athletics clubs and other fitness groups, which together create a supportive and growing ecosystem for the city's athletes.
The city of Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro, a country located on the Balkan Peninsula, known for its rugged mountains and stunning Adriatic coastline. The city is situated at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and is renowned for its blend of Ottoman-era remnants and contemporary architecture. Its surrounding landscape, including parks and riverbanks, provides a beautiful and varied playground for runners.
The runners of Podgorica have a scenic urban environment to explore. A central hub for recreation is Gorica Park, a large forested hill in the middle of the city that gives Podgorica its name. The paths along the Morača River offer beautiful waterfront views and pass by landmarks like the city's iconic, modern Millennium Bridge. The premier racing event in the city is the Podgorica Marathon, an annual event that attracts an international field and includes a half-marathon and shorter distances, serving as a major goal for the local running community.