WHY RUNNING IS SPECIAL (IN 2025)
Running is having an absolute boom right now. But is it here to stay, or is this just hype? Here’s our take on why everyone and their mom is lacing up and hitting the pavement in 2025.
Running is special. It’s special because it’s one of the only things that you can do together or alone, fast or slow, at home or anywhere in the world.
It’s accessible, it’s fun if you do it right, and it doesn’t ask much from you - just a pair of shoes and the willingness to get out there and put one foot in front of the other.
In 2025, though, running is exploding as more than just a sport or a hobby. In a world that is increasingly digital, disconnected, inauthentic, and lonely, running represents something we are all desperately missing.
Running represents community.
It represents analog, it represents gritty, imperfect, challenging, and showing up exactly as you are.
Running is becoming a global movement, that’s uniting people across borders, backgrounds, and beliefs. Here’s why.
Running is a response to the times we live in
We’ve seen it firsthand. Someone shows up at RUN-N-RAVE, shy, not sure how they fit in, worried that they won’t make friends or won’t be fast enough.
A week later, they’re signing up for races, active in the discussions, sharing with everyone about what it means to feel part of something. It happens that fast.
We all need to be part of something. We’re social creatures. Social media gives us the impression that we’re creating connection, staying up to date with our friends and what’s happening in the world. But it leaves us feeling empty, comparing ourselves to others in an unhealthy way, and feeling like everyone else is happier, prettier, and living a better life than we are.
The antidote to this digital dilemma is showing up for real life stuff and making real life friends. And this is where running comes in!
Running clubs are popping up left and right because running offers a low barrier entry to community, connection and friendship through shared goals, passions, and commitments. All you have to do is show up and try, and you’ve got the trust and support of a whole group of people who cheer for you, push you to do your best, and will help you move houses or give you a shoulder to cry on when you need it.
Running doesn’t ask much from you
Despite what your instagram ads will tell you when your algorithm realizes you’re running, you need almost nothing to run.
You need a pair of shoes (we recommend our sponsor Saucony ;) and that’s it. You can just get out there and start putting one foot in front of the other.
You don’t have to be good, you don’t have to compete against anyone, you don’t have to measure yourself up against ANY standard - you win just by getting out there and doing it.
RUNNING CONNECTS YOU TO YOURSELF
If running were a stock, you’d be smart to invest right now. But is it blowing up because it’s just the latest wellness fad? We don’t think so! In 2025, we’re more digital than ever, and more disconnected than we’ve ever been. And deep down, despite all the time we spend on our phones, what people really want is connection, to our bodies, to our cities, and to each other.
Running connects you to yourself first. It connects you to your breath, to your movement, to your muscles, to your limits.
And through clubs and communities, it connects you to other people who are also interested in discovering this new connection to themselves and to their community.
NOT ABOUT PACE. ALL ABOUT PEOPLE.
The big boom running is experiencing right now is certainly not from pros - it’s from normal people who suddenly feel empowered and connected to the sport.
We’re so, so happy to see this surge of people getting out there, pushing their own boundaries, and winning for themselves, not against anyone.
This inclusiveness is EXACTLY what we wanted to foster with RUN-N-RAVE.
It’s never been about winning. It’s not about chasing medals or comparing splits. It’s all about vibes, not PBs.
We run because it feels really damn good. And even when it doesn’t, we’re with people who make us feel good.
We rave at 7am because it brings joy.
We show up rain or shine because we’re building something bigger than ourselves.
RUN-N-RAVE is a space for everyone:
• The shy ones
• The loud ones
• The speed demons
• The hungover party joggers
• And the “I’ve-never-run-before-but-here-goes” crew
Everyone moves at their own pace, and we support each other no matter what. That support doesn’t stop after the run. It means helping someone move apartments, showing up for breakups, birthdays, or just bad days.
From 30 to 250 Runners: The Power of Community
A year ago, we were hosting weekly Thursday morning runs with 30 to 50 people. 7am every Thursday, always energetic, always good vibes.
Six months later, we kicked off spring with a May Day Run through our neighborhood on a Saturday… and 250 people showed up.
It was overwhelming, slightly chaotic, and total magic. We saw so many old friends, new faces, and so much joy doing something sweaty and fun on a day which is typically dedicated to partying.
For us, this is a clear sign that something great is happening. People are ready for more, ready for something new and purposeful. More community. More movement. More meaning.
Come As You Are
You don’t have to run with us. Really.
But if you’re looking to make a positive change in your life, we welcome you with open arms (and likely a sweaty hug).
If you need running tips or want to find another crew that fits your vibe better, we’ll help you with that too.
If you’re looking for running tips in Berlin, just shoot us a message on IG with exactly what you’re looking for, and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
We just want you to feel what we’ve felt—the power of running as a tool for joy, growth, and connection.
Because whether you’re sprinting or walking, solo or surrounded, near or far…
As long as you’re running, we’re happy.
Join us every Thursday for a 7am run!
