Flying Girls Milano: Inspiring a New Generation to Run with Joy

In June 2018, a new movement was born in Milan with a specific and powerful aim. Flying Girls Milano was created by Najla, who wanted to form a group of young women to inspire others and demonstrate how sport can be a powerful form of "aggregation," or community building. What started as a vision has evolved into a thriving community of over 30 people, led by a core team of eight friends and training partners who are passionate about sharing the fun and joyful side of running.

The philosophy of Flying Girls Milano is to redefine what running means for young women. Founder Najla and the core team—Francesca, Arianna, Sofia, Micol, Lorena, Greta, and Fatima—all have backgrounds in track and field, making running a core part of their identities. They wanted to share their passion and prove that running is not just about grueling effort. Their mission is to showcase the happiness, enjoyment, and satisfaction the sport can create. They do this by running with music, dancing, and fostering a fun, social environment that makes fitness feel like a celebration.

The community of Flying Girls Milano is built around a strong core team of eight women who lead by example. While some knew each other beforehand and some were training mates, they came together to build something new. They now lead a larger, open community of more than 30 people who regularly join them for their runs and activities. This structure fosters a supportive and inspiring environment where experienced athletes can share their knowledge and passion with newcomers to the sport.

The culture of Flying Girls Milano is energetic, diverse, and unapologetically fun. They believe in running with music, dancing, and enjoying the company of other women. Their approach to training is comprehensive and varied, ensuring that their activities remain engaging and never monotonous. Depending on the day, the crew engages in speed training, long runs, interval sessions on the track, dedicated strength workouts, yoga classes, and gym training, offering a complete and holistic athletic experience.

Flying Girls Milano extends a warm and energetic invitation to all women in the city, especially young women, who are looking to discover the joyful side of running. They offer a supportive and fun-loving community where you can grow as a runner and make new friends. To join their movement, interested individuals are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels.

Flying Girls Milano brings a unique, female-focused energy to Milan's vibrant running scene. The city is home to several other running clubs and traditional athletics organizations, each with its own distinct identity. This diverse ecosystem of groups, from performance-focused teams to other social running collectives, has created a rich and supportive landscape for every type of runner in Italy's fashion capital.

The stylish, high-energy streets of Milan, Italy, offer a dynamic contrast. As the nation's capital of fashion and finance, Milan is a city that buzzes with modern energy and creativity. This fast-paced urban environment, combined with beautiful parks and historic canals, provides the perfect backdrop for a running crew as vibrant and forward-thinking as Flying Girls.

The Flying Girls use all of Milan as their playground. A favorite location for many of the city's runners is Parco Sempione, a large and beautiful park located behind the Sforza Castle, offering a network of paths perfect for any workout. For a unique and scenic run, the paths along the famous Navigli canals provide a charming route through one of the city's most lively districts. The crew can also be found in the modern CityLife district, running amidst its iconic, futuristic skyscrapers.

Milan hosts a calendar of world-class running events that are a major focus for the city's dedicated runners. The premier event is the Milano Marathon, held in the spring, which is known for its flat and very fast course, attracting elite athletes from around the world. Another massive and historic race is the Stramilano Half Marathon, one of Italy's most famous running events, which brings an incredible energy to the city's streets each year.