RC8K: The Original Zurich Crew Proving That Everybody is an Athlete
The story of RC8K is a classic tale of the global run crew movement. It came to life after founder David Suivez ran with the famous Harbour Runners during a sabbatical in Hong Kong back in 2011. Inspired by their energy and community, he quickly decided to set up something similar in his hometown of Zurich. With the kind help of Nike, he established a crew that would become a cornerstone of the city's running culture and a key part of the worldwide network of crews.
A Philosophy of Happiness and Inclusion
The philosophy of RC8K is powerful in its simplicity: "everybody who has a body is an athlete." This guiding principle has created a welcoming and non-judgmental space for a loose network of urban and creative individuals who pursue happiness through weekly runs. They represent the idea that running should be accessible to all, a tool for connection and joy rather than a measure of elite performance.
The culture of RC8K is social, relaxed, and exploratory. The entire purpose of their runs is to socialize and enjoy the city; therefore, the pace is always a comfortable "talking pace." This ensures that the focus remains on conversation and camaraderie, making their meetups incredibly accessible for runners of all levels. Their weekly runs are the backbone of their community, providing a consistent opportunity for them to connect and explore the city together.
RC8K extends a warm invitation to urban and creative individuals in Zurich who are seeking a social and welcoming running community. For those who believe in pursuing happiness through movement and friendship, they are encouraged to connect with the crew via their official social media channels for the latest information on their weekly runs.
The Zurich Running Scene
As one of the city's original running crews, RC8K helped pioneer a vibrant and diverse running scene in Zurich. They share the city's streets with other unique crews, including the performance-minded 612RUN, which was "born in St. Gallen and raised in Zurich" and is built on a foundation of speed, friendship, and celebration. Together, these crews create a rich and supportive ecosystem for every type of runner.
The city of Zurich is a global center for finance and banking, but it is also a city with a deep appreciation for nature and an active lifestyle. Nestled by Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, and with the Uetliberg mountain on its doorstep, the city offers a stunning and diverse environment for runners. This, combined with a thriving sports culture, makes it the perfect home for a pioneering run crew.
The runners of Zurich have a beautiful urban playground to explore. A classic city run follows the shores of Lake Zurich or the banks of the Limmat River, offering scenic, flat paths with beautiful views. For a more challenging experience, the trails of the Uetliberg mountain offer a true trail running experience with a spectacular panorama of the city. The local running calendar is highlighted by several major events, including the Zurich Marathon in the spring and the Zürcher Silvesterlauf, a massive and festive series of races in December that runs through the city's old town.
