Black Toes Running Team: Setting the Pace with Speed and Swag in Shanghai
Back in autumn 2019, seven runners from all over China, including Jam, realized something was missing in Shanghai. There were lots of runners, but no crew with the vibe and attitude they wanted. So they started Black Toes Running Team to bring together people who care about both running well and looking good. Their goal: show that marathoners can be fun, stylish, and dedicated all at once.
The name says it all: Black Toes Running Team turns what most see as a painful side effect into a badge of honor. For BTRT, black toenails mean you’ve put in the work and earned your place. Jam leads the way with the "Speed and Swag" mindset, pushing the team to share their stories and show that running can be cool and fun, not just tough.
BTRT isn’t just for hardcore athletes. It’s for anyone who calls themselves a "swag runner." The team loves making and sharing content about their runs and their lives, giving a new take on what it means to be a runner. This creative energy has helped them build a tight-knit group that cares about both performance and self-expression. Now, they’re a well-known part of Shanghai’s running scene.
BTRT keeps things disciplined and focused on getting better. Every week, they stick to a set training schedule. Wednesdays mean interval sessions at Lu Wan Stadium, with workouts that go from 400-meter repeats up to 12 kilometers total. Saturdays are for long runs on Miao Jiang Road, usually between 20 and 30 kilometers. There are different pace groups, from 4:00 to 5:30 per kilometer, so everyone can find their spot.
Black Toes Running Team is open to anyone who loves running and brings some swag. If you want to join their workouts and be part of a group that runs hard and has fun, just reach out through their website or social media.
BTRT stands out for its "speed and swag" vibe, but they’re just one part of Shanghai’s big running community. The city has lots of other crews, each with their own style. The One Crew is another well-known group, hosting weekly runs and training for all levels. Together, they make Shanghai’s running scene lively and diverse.
BTRT trains at some of the best spots in Shanghai. Saturday long runs happen on Miao Jiang Road, right by the Huangpu River, with awesome views of the skyline. Track workouts are at Lu Wan Stadium. Other favorite places to run are The Bund’s waterfront and the big green spaces in Fuxing Park and Century Park.
Shanghai’s running calendar is packed with big events that draw runners from everywhere. The main one is the Shanghai International Marathon in November, with a full marathon, half, and 10k that go past the city’s best sights. There’s also the Shanghai Half Marathon every spring, which is a great way to see the city and go for a new personal best.
