No Reason Co: The Pacers Who Became the Playground Pioneers of Istanbul
The story of No Reason Co. is the story of modern running culture in Istanbul. The core members began running the city's streets together back in 2013, eventually becoming the original pacers when the Nike Run Club (NRC) was established in the city in 2015. As time passed and the running culture they helped build changed, developed, and evolved, they decided to leverage their experience and the power of their core runners to create their own unique community, and No Reason Co. was born.
The philosophy of No Reason Co. is perfectly encapsulated in their clever name. By transforming "NRC" into "No Reason Co.," the founders declared their belief that they need no external reason to run, because running has become an integral part of their lives and lifestyle. Their mission is twofold: to inspire new runners just starting their journey and to support the professional athletes in their community. Beyond the run, they are a social collective that loves to hang out, discover new places, go after good music, and live different experiences together, truly treating their city as a playground.
As the original pacers of Istanbul, No Reason Co. holds a special place of respect and leadership within the city's running scene. Their experience has allowed them to build a strong and dedicated community that knows how to have great fun while also taking their training seriously. Their collaboration is with the city itself, constantly exploring its streets and inspiring its citizens to join the running movement they helped to pioneer.
The culture of No Reason Co. is structured, diverse, and incredibly social. They offer a comprehensive weekly schedule with a different focus for each session, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tuesdays are for beginners and socializing, with the crew running an easy 4K as one single group. Wednesdays are for building speed with interval training on the track, where participants split into different pace groups for a workout of approximately 8 kilometers. On Sundays, the crew tackles longer distances, offering 3 K, 6 K, 10 K, and 12 K options in various pace groups to cap off the week.
No Reason Co. extends a warm invitation to all runners in Istanbul. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for a friendly introduction to the sport or a seasoned professional seeking a strong community, their diverse weekly schedule has a place for you. To join them and be part of their journey, interested individuals are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels for the latest information on run locations and times.
No Reason Co. is a foundational crew in Istanbul's vibrant running ecosystem. They share the city's streets with a multitude of other excellent crews, including the massive and inclusive BEAT Run Crew, which hosts huge weekly runs on the Asian side, and the adventurous TEAM RUN.BO, which is a pioneering force in the Turkish trail running scene. Other groups, such as Runarchy RC and Rundamental, also contribute their own unique styles, creating a rich and collaborative running community.
The sprawling, historic city of Istanbul is captivating. As the city is famously known as the playground for No Reason Co., Istanbul offers a unique and dynamic environment for runners. Its position straddling two continents, its breathtaking blend of architectural wonders, and its bustling, energetic streets create a unique tapestry to explore on every run.
True to their motto, "Istanbul is our city and this city is our playground," No Reason Co. utilizes all of it. Their social runs might take them along the scenic Bosphorus Strait on the European side, passing through beautiful neighborhoods like Bebek. For their Wednesday track intervals, they use one of the city's public athletic tracks. For their Sunday long runs, the vast and beautiful Belgrade Forest, with its miles of shaded trails and roads, offers the perfect escape and a challenging workout.
Local Races
Istanbul is a hub for world-class running events that are a major focus for the city's dedicated running community. The premier event is the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon, the only marathon in the world where participants run from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe) by crossing the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. The city also hosts the prestigious N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon in the spring, which is renowned for its incredibly fast and flat course that runs along the coast of the historic peninsula.
