Berlin Braves: More Than a Running Crew, A Creative Sports Movement
In the bustling metropolis of Berlin, where creativity and athleticism converge, the Berlin Braves have left their mark since 2012. Founded by the visionary Joey Elgersma, this organization was established to be more than just another sports club. It is a community that embraces the power of unity, using a wide range of sports as a tool to bring people together. The Braves' inspiring journey has seen them grow from an informal collective into a cornerstone of the city's amateur sports scene, fostering a close-knit community in the heart of Berlin.
The philosophy of the Berlin Braves, driven by founder Joey Elgersma, is to build bridges through sports and creativity. The club's objective goes beyond mere competition; it aims to unite local sports and lifestyle enthusiasts, create a positive and supportive youth culture, and appeal to the diverse international spirit of Berlin. It is a place where individuals from all backgrounds can come together, driven by a shared love for sports and a collective desire to create positive change within their community.
After operating with an informal structure for a decade, the Berlin Braves took a significant step forward by becoming a registered non-profit organization, Berlin Braves e.V. This allows them to expand their community work, collaborate with state and city initiatives, and offer structured educational and development programs. Their commitment to accessibility is central to their mission. Membership is open to anyone who identifies with their vision, regardless of financial circumstances, and they actively encourage members to contribute, mentor, and foster intercultural exchange.
The Braves offer a rich, multidisciplinary experience that truly reflects the dynamic nature of Berlin. While they take immense pride in their running and athletic projects, they require all their senior athletes to actively engage with, support, and encourage younger members of the community. This mentorship is central to their culture. Furthermore, the club is renowned for its creative output; as their teams rise through the ranks, they produce exquisite, critically acclaimed content, including videos and photoshoots with a distinct artistic style that challenges the conventional boundaries of sports aesthetics.
The Berlin Braves welcome anyone with open arms who identifies with their vision of community, creativity, and sport. Their invitation is not just to run or play, but to become an active part of their project. Whether you want to contribute your skills, become a community mentor for younger members, or simply be part of a positive and inclusive athletic environment, the Braves offer a space for you.
While the Berlin Braves have established themselves as a unique multi-sport force, they are part of a thriving and collaborative running scene. The city is home to a diverse range of crews, including the legendary Run Pack Berlin, who have been mixing running with party culture since 2013. The KRAFT Runners are famous for their intense "#geilballern" workouts, while the Berlin Track Club offers a performance-focused team environment for competitive athletes. Newer groups like the After Work Track Club provide a space for professionals to connect, and Fierce Run Force has created a trailblazing and empowering community for women and FLINTA* individuals. Together, these crews form the vibrant, beating heart of Berlin's running culture.
The city is already buzzing with the energy that makes it a perfect home for the Braves. Berlin is a true running haven, a famously flat and fast city with a thriving sports culture. It offers an endless variety of routes that wind through historic streets, eclectic neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, and vast green spaces, making it a playground for athletic adventures.
The Braves have explored every corner of their city, but some routes are quintessential Berlin running experiences. The vast Tiergarten, a lush park in the city's center, offers miles of shaded paths perfect for a revitalizing run. For a run through history, the Berlin Wall Trail follows the path of the former wall, passing by historical markers and sites like the East Side Gallery. A run through the city center is incomplete without passing the monumental Brandenburg Gate, a powerful symbol of unity and a fixture on many race courses.
Berlin is home to unforgettable, world-class running events that draw hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators. The crown jewel is the BMW Berlin-Marathon in September, a World Marathon Major renowned for its flat, record-breaking course that finishes with a spectacular passage through the Brandenburg Gate. The other major event is the Generali Berlin Half Marathon in the spring, a high-energy race that fills the city streets with the pulsating beats of live music and the cheers of enthusiastic crowds, offering an electric atmosphere for all participants.
