Gin & Running: Shaking Up the Lausanne Scene, One Cocktail at a Time
In the beautiful city of Lausanne, a community was established to demonstrate that a passion for sports and an appreciation for fine drinks can coexist harmoniously. Gin & Running was born from the idea that while athletics and alcohol don't often mix, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy both. They have successfully built a collective that celebrates the rewards of a healthy, active, and social lifestyle, one run and one gin & tonic at a time.
This innovative crew was founded by a group of friends who sought to introduce a new kind of event-based experience to the Lausanne running scene. Their philosophy is that everyone who goes out to "kill those miles and kilometers" deserves a good treat afterward. This belief in a balanced lifestyle, where effort is celebrated with a sophisticated reward, is the foundation of their community. Their motto, "Run responsibly," perfectly encapsulates their mature and fun-loving approach to the sport.
The community of Gin & Running is built around their unique, curated events. Their primary collaboration is with local venues, such as Le Comptoir bar, where they host their post-run workshops, deeply integrating them into the city's social fabric. They also give back to the community by creating and organizing their own running events, such as the annual Run Sévelin, which brings energy and activity to a growing local neighborhood.
The culture of Gin & Running is a brilliant blend of fitness and fun. Their signature monthly event is "The Lab," a genius way to combine a social 5 K run through town with a captivating workshop at Le Comptoir bar, where participants learn the secrets of crafting the best gin & tonic cocktails. Beyond this, they take on more ambitious athletic endeavors, including the Epic City Relay (ECR), where teams run the full tour of Lake Geneva, and have plans for a new track-based relay race in Lausanne.
Gin & Running extends a warm invitation to any runner in Lausanne who appreciates their "work hard, play hard" and balanced lifestyle. For those who believe a good run is made even better by a great G&T, you are encouraged to join them for their next "The Lab" event. For the most up-to-date information, you can connect with them via their official social media channels.
As a unique, event-focused collective, Gin & Running occupies a special niche in Lausanne's running scene. The city, as the home of the International Olympic Committee, has a deep-rooted sports culture and is also home to other, more performance-oriented crews, such as the DNH Hill Runners. Together, these groups create a vibrant and diverse landscape for every type of athlete in the Olympic Capital.
Lausanne, the capital of the canton of Vaud, is scenically located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The city's defining characteristic is its steep, hilly terrain, which offers a challenging and rewarding playground for its passionate runners. Its unique status as the "Olympic Capital" gives the city a global and inspiring athletic atmosphere.
The running routes utilized by Gin & Running are as varied as their events. Their monthly 5k "Lab" run explores the beautiful urban core of Lausanne. Their most ambitious event, the Epic City Relay, tackles one of the most epic routes in Europe: the full tour of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), a massive international undertaking that passes through both Switzerland and France. This showcases their adventurous spirit and love for taking on major challenges.
The running calendar in Lausanne is highlighted by world-class events that the local community enthusiastically supports. The premier long-distance event is the Lausanne Marathon, which takes place in the autumn, offering stunning views of the lake and the Alps. Another hugely popular and historic race is the 20 kils de Lausanne, a challenging spring race that attracts thousands of participants to take on the city's famously hilly course.
