Beat Run Crew: Finding Istanbul's Rhythm, One Stride at a Time
In December 2017, four friends named Ali, Sinan, Cem, and Mehmet came together to start Beat Run Crew. Their goal was to help people grow through running. What started as a way to get away from the city’s noise has turned into a close-knit group that helps each other tackle city life, step by step.
Beat Run Crew sees running as a way to stay motivated, meet new people, and grow as individuals. Their mission is to rise above the limits of city life, which they sum up with the hashtag #beatthecity. Even though running is often a solo activity, they believe the real power comes from sticking together, as shown by their motto #TrustYourCrew. This family feeling is kept alive by their dedicated captains, like co-founder Sinan, Aysel, Anıl, and Cem, who organize the group’s events.organize events.
Since the beginning, BEAT has become a diverse group with more than 250 members. They value inclusivity and attract individuals who are eager to connect and work together to improve. BEAT is well-respected in Istanbul’s running community, often teaming up with other crews for events and building friendships that go beyond their own group.
The heart of BEAT’s community is the weekly #BeatMonday run. Every Monday at 7:45 p.m., the crew meets on the Şaşkınbakkal coast on the Asian side of Istanbul. They start with a group warm-up, then split into pace groups for 3k, 6k, or 10k runs. There’s also a 3k run/walk group for those new to running. After cooling down together, everyone shares stories and laughs, kicking off the week with good vibes.
Beat Run Crew welcomes everyone, no matter your running experience, fitness level, or background. Whether you’re a marathon veteran, a casual jogger, or just starting out, you’re invited to join. They share their weekly schedule on Instagram stories and posts so everyone can stay in the loop.
BEAT is just one part of Istanbul’s lively running community. Other groups include İstanbul Koşu Kuvvetleri (IKK), which combines running with fundraising, the trail-loving TEAM RUN.BO, and crews like Runarchy RC and Rundamental. Each group brings something special to the city’s running scene.
BEAT’s home on the Şaşkınbakkal coast gives runners a beautiful seaside path on the Asian side of Istanbul. You can also run along the Bosphorus in places like Bebek, which is famous for its waterfront views. If you head north, Belgrad Forest has miles of shady trails for anyone who loves road or trail running.
Istanbul is home to top running events that attract athletes from all over the world. The biggest is the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon, where runners cross from Asia to Europe over the Bosphorus Bridge, making it truly unique. Each spring, the city also hosts the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon, famous for its fast, flat, and scenic coastal route.
