Faster Bastards

Crew at a Glance

Faster Bastards is a well-known, performance-oriented running crew that has been a staple in the Baltimore, USA, running community for over ten years. Founded from a Ragnar relay team, the group is led by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/believeintherun" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thomas</a> and is driven by a bold, humorous motto: "Ut citius aut mori" – "Get faster or die." Though they may look intimidating, they are a friendly and encouraging community that hosts challenging, free group runs for anyone eager to improve. Their weekly schedule includes a demanding Wednesday evening workout and a traditional Saturday morning long run.

aster Bastards: The Gritty, Performance-Focused Crew of Baltimore

In Baltimore, a running crew formed over a decade ago when a few local runners started meeting to push each other to run faster and beat personal records. The group, which initially began as a team for a Ragnar relay, was founded by Thomas, who also designed their logo, writes their weekly emails, and manages their social media. They have since become the largest free running group in Baltimore, a medium-sized crew of tough runners who are always aiming to improve.

The philosophy of the Faster Bastards is a perfect mix of intensity and inclusivity. Their Latin motto, "Ut citius aut mori" ("Get faster or die"), reflects their speed-focused ethos, yet camaraderie and fun remain central values. Their goal is to build a supportive community where runners can improve their performance together. They believe that you are your own best competition, and they are your teammates. Membership is completely open and free, and the culture emphasizes mutual encouragement, structured training, and accountability.

While they do run a bit faster than the average pace, the Faster Bastards have created a welcoming and supportive environment. Women are explicitly encouraged to join, and the popularity of a nine-minute-mile group shows that different speeds are still embraced. It is a community that welcomes everyone, regardless of their current speed or skill level, as long as they have a desire to improve.

### A Packed Week of Pushing Limits

The culture of the Faster Bastards revolves around a demanding and steady weekly schedule. On Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., they host the "Wednesday to the MAX," a tough evening session meeting at the William Wallace Statue in Druid Hill Park. On Saturday mornings, they take on the "Saturday Classic," a 10-mile loop starting from Canton Waterfront Park (at 8:00 a.m. in summer and 9:00 a.m. in winter). Besides their regular runs, the crew's social vibe is evident with trail runs, bike rides, and friendly competitions like beer miles, which serve as excuses to gather.

The Faster Bastards invite any runner in Baltimore looking for a more intense workout and a supportive community to join. Whether you're preparing for a race or just want a tougher challenge, you're welcome to run with the crew and experience the city's performance-focused running culture firsthand. Run details are posted on the crew’s Facebook page.

### The Baltimore Running Scene

Faster Bastards are a key part of Baltimore's vibrant running scene. The city, a historic seaport with a resilient character, is home to a dedicated community of runners and various other running clubs and social groups. The city's running routes often wind along the famous **Inner Harbor** and through historic neighborhoods like **Fells Point**. The local race schedule is full of events like the **St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K** and the **Sole of the City 10K**. The main event is the **Baltimore Running Festival** in October, which features a marathon, half marathon, and other races, drawing thousands of participants.

Faster Bastards

Crew at a Glance

aster Bastards: The Gritty, Performance-Focused Crew of Baltimore

Weekly Runs

Quick Facts