We Run Uptown: The Raw, Unfiltered Energy of Upper Manhattan
In July 2013, a journey that began with heartbreak evolved into a powerful force for community in an area of New York City that had previously lacked a running presence. We Run Uptown (WRU) was created to fill that void. What started as a simple idea has evolved into a transformative movement of trendsetters, fitness experts, and community organizers, creating an authentic and inspiring experience centered on a healthy lifestyle in their iconic uptown neighborhood.
A Philosophy of the Uptown Streets
The philosophy of We Run Uptown is to be a true reflection of their home. Their vision is to embody their culture, their people, and the greater community in every single mile they run. At their core, they are street runners who believe in the importance of running those streets in every sense of the word. They are dedicated to continual growth, aiming to build a network that uplifts and inspires NYC runners to be their best while having fun. They foster a welcoming environment, encouraging new runners with the understanding that "regardless of the experience, we all had a struggle."
A Culture That Owns the Night
The culture of We Run Uptown is built on consistency, grit, and a whole lot of fun. They famously "own Monday nights." Rain, snow, or shine, this is their signature social run, a time for good vibes where a beer or two with the crew is always a possibility. From this foundation, the crew has expanded to include numerous additional training days, helping their members focus on improvement. This now includes dedicated track nights for speed and Saturday runs for distance, creating a comprehensive schedule for the dedicated athlete.
We Run Uptown extends a warm and energetic invitation to everyone. All paces are welcome to join their social runs and become part of their journey. They encourage you to come out and bring a friend, with the convenience of a bag check available. For the latest updates on their runs, interested individuals are encouraged to follow them on their official social media channels.
The New York City Running Scene
WRU is a vital part of New York City's unparalleled running ecosystem, holding down the northern tip of Manhattan. They share the streets with a multitude of other powerful, neighborhood-focused crews, including their neighbors to the south, Harlem Run, and their neighbors to the north, the Boogie Down Bronx Runners. This rich tapestry of crews, along with pioneers like the BridgeRunners, ensures that every corner of the city has its own unique running heartbeat.
The "Uptown" neighborhoods of New York City, such as Washington Heights and Inwood, provide a stunning and uniquely challenging running playground. The area is renowned for its remarkable topography, featuring steep hills that are uncommon in most other parts of Manhattan. It is also home to beautiful, expansive parks that offer a true escape from urban density.
The runners of We Run Uptown use their hilly, historic neighborhood as their training ground. A truly iconic and challenging route is a run across the majestic George Washington Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. For a natural escape, they have two of the city's most beautiful parks in their backyard: Fort Tryon Park, home of The Cloisters museum, and the rugged, forested trails of Inwood Hill Park. The premier racing event in the city is the TCS New York City Marathon, an epic journey through all five boroughs where the crew proudly represents the spirit of Uptown.