KRAFT Runners Berlin: The #geilballern Movement
The story of the KRAFT Runners began when a group of friends, united by their role as pacers at the former NIKE+ Run Club, realized they craved more than just keeping a steady tempo. This desire to challenge themselves led to the birth of the #geilballern movement. The workout style is inclusive and intense; instead of using pace groups, they structure sessions like mile repeats or bridge sprints where everyone can push to their personal limit within the same framework. This powerful concept has resonated deeply, allowing KRAFT Runners to expand into a national and global network.
The philosophy of the KRAFT Runners is built on six core pillars that shape their entire identity. First is FREE; their workouts are, and always will be, free of charge, ensuring no financial barriers to participation. FRIENDSHIP is their foundation, as the crew values the genuine connections that form beyond the run. A positive VIBE is mandatory, aiming to make every session an uplifting experience. CHEERING is a core tenet, as they believe that if you aren't running, your role is to support those who are. They are OPEN to all, with workouts designed to let everyone from beginners to pros participate at their own pace. Finally, PERFORMANCE is about personal progress, supporting each member's journey to become the best version of themselves.
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KRAFT Runners in Berlin
The original KRAFT Runners chapter in Berlin embodies the crew's high-energy spirit and serves as the heartbeat of the entire movement. The city of Berlin itself, with its edgy and energetic atmosphere, is the perfect home for the KRAFT Runners. It is a runner's paradise, famous for its flat and fast routes that are ideal for chasing personal bests. The city's unique blend of gritty urban energy and beautiful green spaces offers an invigorating experience that combines the thrill of exploration with the joy of running.
The Berlin chapter has a vibrant and consistent weekly schedule designed to challenge runners in different ways. The main event is the #geilballern Tuesday, a high-intensity interval session every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, starting from the well-known Cheers Kiez Pizza in Friedrichshain, where a bag drop is available. For early risers, the #VOMIT Thursday (a playful acronym for "Very Early Morning Interval Training") offers a tempo run at 7:00 AM from varying locations. The week is rounded out with the #longrun Sunday at 10:00 AM, a relaxed long run designed for endurance and conversation, with the meeting point announced on their social channels.
The KRAFT Runners in Berlin extend an open invitation to anyone and everyone. True to their "OPEN" and "FREE" pillars, their workouts require no sign-up and no fee. All you need to do is show up with a positive attitude, ready to push yourself at one of their weekly sessions. For the most up-to-date information on meeting points for the Thursday and Sunday runs, check the official @kraftrunners Instagram channel.
In the urban jungle of Berlin, KRAFT Runners stand tall as a high-energy force, but they are part of a diverse ecosystem of crews. The city's running culture is also shaped by the legendary party crew Run Pack Berlin, the multi-sport and youth-focused Berlin Braves, and the performance-oriented Berlin Track Club. Newer crews like the social BerlinBagels, the inclusive division:bpm, the empowering Fierce Run Force, and the professional After Work Track Club each add their unique flavor to the scene, creating a vibrant and collaborative community.
KRAFT Runners use Berlin's entire urban landscape as their playground. Their workouts can take them anywhere, from the picturesque pathways of the Tiergarten to the scenic banks of the Spree River. The historic Berlin Wall Trail offers a route steeped in history, while the wide-open runways of Tempelhofer Feld are perfect for high-intensity interval sessions. Every run is a chance to experience the city's iconic landmarks from a new, dynamic perspective.
Berlin is home to world-class running events that are a major focus for many KRAFT Runners. The premier event is the BMW Berlin-Marathon in September, a World Marathon Major renowned for its flat, record-breaking course that finishes with a spectacular passage through the Brandenburg Gate. The other major event is the Generali Berlin Half Marathon in the spring, which takes thousands of runners on a high-energy journey through the city's heart, complete with cheering crowds and live music.
