Dedication and Attitude: The DNA Running Crew Forging a Global Family in Berlin
In the German capital, a city renowned for its dynamic running culture, a unique crew emerged from camaraderie and a desire to stay united. The story of DNA Running Crew began in the spring of 2022 when a group of individual runners training with the Berlin Braves formed a special bond. When their captain, Seb, decided to step down, something remarkable happened. Instead of dispersing, this international group of rookies chose to continue their journey together under Seb's guidance, and in November 2022, DNA Running Crew was officially established.
The crew's name and philosophy pay homage to a global running lineage. "DNA" stands for Dedication and Attitude, the core principles of a training program created by Max Papin in New York City in 2014, which was later embraced by the Paris Running Club. Seb, DNA's founder, was deeply inspired by this ethos and believed these qualities should form the foundation of any running community. The crew is built upon the pillars of togetherness, diversity, authenticity, respect, gratitude, honesty, and empathy, with a strong commitment to giving back to their local Kreuzkölln neighborhood and the city of Berlin as a whole.
What truly sets DNA Running Crew apart is its profound international flavor. With members representing more than 18 nationalities, the crew is a microcosm of the multicultural city they call home. They believe in building bridges, not walls, and aim to erase boundaries through the universal language of running. This ethos extends to the broader running scene; DNA operates with open arms, welcoming all other crews who share their values to run and train alongside them, with the ultimate vision of fostering a Berlin-wide running community as diverse and inclusive as the city itself.
The heartbeat of the DNA Running Crew is their weekly run every Tuesday at 6:45 p.m., which pulses with energy on the banks of the Maybachufer in Kreuzkölln. This single session is thoughtfully designed to cater to all abilities, with run distances ranging from a friendly 5 kilometers all the way to marathon-length training. The emphasis is not solely on the physical effort but on the shared experience and camaraderie that flourishes when people from all over the world run together.
DNA Running Crew extends a welcoming invitation to everyone. There are no membership fees and no prerequisites. Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or just starting your fitness journey, you are invited to join them for their weekly Tuesday run. It’s an opportunity to become part of a vibrant global family in the heart of Berlin.
While DNA Running Crew is undeniably unique, they are part of a rich and thriving running scene. The city is home to a diverse range of crews, including the legendary Run Pack Berlin, known for blending running with party culture since 2013. The KRAFT Runners are celebrated for their intense workouts, while the Berlin Braves are a multi-sport collective dedicated to uplifting youth. The Berlin Track Club offers a performance-focused team environment, and newer groups like division:bpm and Fierce Run Force introduce their own unique energy to the city's streets.
Running in Berlin As I write this from Berlin on a Monday, the city's multicultural pulse is evident everywhere, making it the perfect home for a crew like DNA. This dynamic metropolis is a paradise for runners, where history and modernity collide. From the street art of its neighborhoods to the quiet trails in its forests, Berlin offers a diverse and stimulating backdrop for any run.
DNA's location in Kreuzkölln places them at the center of some of Berlin's best running routes. Their runs often trace the paths of the Landwehr Canal or explore the vast green expanse of the Tiergarten. For a run through history, the Berlin Wall Trail provides a powerful and poignant experience. For a true escape within the city limits, runners can head to Grunewald Forest for its extensive trail network or Treptower Park for its stunning riverside paths along the Spree. Crossing the iconic red-bricked Oberbaum Bridge that connects Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain is another exhilarating Berlin running experience.
Berlin hosts world-class running events that are a major focus for many local runners. 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.
