Fast Miles and Good Vibes from St. Gallen to Zurich
The story of 612RUN began not on a track, but in a club in St. Gallen, Switzerland. In the fall of 2015, friends and former football players Joel Horlacher and Kevin Hofer made an important decision over a few too many beers. They both loved running and wanted to train together for races, but they found the formal structure of a traditional running club to be unappealing. That night, they envisioned something new: a crew that would energize the blend of competition and community, of sweat and celebration. This marked the beginning of a crew defined by fast miles and the friendships forged after the run.
At its core, 612RUN embodies the vision of its founders. Joel and Kevin sought to create more than just a group for logging miles; they aimed for a true crew. Their philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: Run to explore and experience the city, train for both asphalt and trails, and connect to share the passion. It’s not just about showing up to run; it’s about pushing personal limits and running fast. Social connections are as vital as physical effort, leading to their golden rule: you must earn your post-run beer. This work hard, play hard mentality ensures that while the runs are demanding, the atmosphere is always uplifting and filled with camaraderie.
What started as an idea between two friends has evolved into a close-knit group that runs, races, and celebrates together. The crew’s identity is deeply linked to its two home cities, having been born in St. Gallen and raised in Zurich. This dual-city heritage provides a broad playground and a vibrant presence in the Swiss running scene. They operate as a tight family, sharing experiences that revolve around training hard and socializing afterward.
The culture of 612RUN is one of balance. They take their training seriously, tackling both urban asphalt and challenging mountain trails to prepare for races. Simultaneously, they are equally committed to having a good time. A key tradition is the post-run gathering; no run concludes without the crew sitting together for a drink or coffee. This ritual is central to their identity, solidifying the bonds of friendship that drive their competitive spirit. They celebrate just as passionately as they strive for fast times.
612RUN warmly invites any runner who shares their ethos. If you focus on running fast, pushing your limits, and believe that enjoying time with the crew afterward is an essential part of the experience, you are welcome to join them. It’s all about the run and the crew.
St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a charming city in northeastern Switzerland, known for its beautiful Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located between Lake Constance and the Appenzell Alps, the city offers a picturesque setting with a compact, historic center and easy access to nature. Its running community is passionate and fully utilizes the surrounding hilly landscape.
The area around St. Gallen is ideal for runners who enjoy varied terrain. Popular routes lead out of the city and into the surrounding green hills, providing rewarding views. The "Drei Weieren" (Three Ponds) above the city is a beloved local spot for recreation and running. Trail runners have access to a vast network of paths to explore in the nearby Appenzell region.
St. Gallen hosts a few notable running events that are popular in the region, like the Auffahrtslauf: a major event held on Ascension Day, it is one of the largest running events in Eastern Switzerland and offers various distances. Another highlight is the St. Gallen Marathon (part of the St. Galler Stadt-Triathlon); while primarily a triathlon event, it includes marathon and half-marathon distances that attract many runners.