There’s a new generation of athletes in Dresden. Sure, they’re clad in running shoes and a touch of lycra, but they’re explicitly distanced from your standard athletics club, spreading a confetti-strewn, smoke-bombing community spirit in what is traditionally an individual sport. We caught up with René Claussnitzer and Jan Lau, the founders of PACE KILLERS, to find out why, even for ardent non-runners, pacing across our city streets might be just the thing.
For most of us, running might enjoy a brief existence as a short-lived New Year’s resolution, trampling along the pavement on a dreary January morning because your friend said how liberating it is to run or how refreshing it is to get ready in minutes without worrying about pumping up your tyres beforehand.
Your friend throws words like “forest bathing”, “flow”, and “run crew” into conversations and you wonder what the attraction is. Our New Year’s resolutions have been well and truly sacked off, but we’ve got to admit that the co-founders of PACE KILLERS, Jan Lau and René Claussnitzer from Dresden, are pretty convincing when it comes to why we should lace up …
Riding is cool. But so is running.
It’s no secret that bike riding is having a moment right now. But according to René, a big name in the running scene, his sport is experiencing the same boom. It’s struck a chord due to social distancing limitations and the curtailment of team sports.; People still want to keep fit and running is one of the most hassle-free ways. It’s a return to your roots, to freedom and childhood.
For those living in cities, so used to nipping to the gym between meetings, seeing the doors locked probably hit deeply. And that creaky Stairmaster you dug out from your cellar is no competition for the high-tech equipment you’ve become used to. That’s when the thought of running in the great outdoors started to gain some momentum… Pit yourself against the elements, invest in your health and get some slick-looking running kit while you’re at it.
While boxes of football boots are gathering dust, running shoes are flying off the shelves. Judging by the antics of the German national team at the Euro 2021, it doesn’t feel like they’ve got much interest in chasing the ball and would rather just run from A to B. But this movement, with crews like PACE KILLERS, is a far cry from staid running clubs of old. The scene has changed and run crews are the sport’s avant garde.
Everyone used to hate running, but that’s changed, and everyone wants to share the love! – René aka @master_goodvibe
Crew love over membership fees
René and Jan brought PACE KILLERS to life three years ago. Bringing together five individuals who were partial to pacing the streets, they wanted to bring an extra dose of fun to their training, rather than be ordered around the track by an ageing coach in a tracksuit. While they were open to where things would take them, they defined three fundamental pillars as their philosophy:
- No clubhouse. Instead they would base themselves at Zapfenstreich, a bar in Dresden’s hip city district called Neustadt.
- No fixed agenda taking up every weekday evening. Tuesdays would be the day for runs.
- No fees. This is about coming together because you want to. Everyone welcome, no one forced to stay.
The concept rapidly turned into an institution. As planned, runners would come together on a Tuesday and make plans for the rest of the week as they liked. It meant that PACE KILLERS built up the perfect balance – part-routine, part-relaxed come-as-you-go freedom. Naturally, the act of running was an important aspect for René and Jan, but the health of the community counted too – bring people together but make sure everyone knows that striving for performance is also welcome.
Unlike a traditional athletics club that focuses on making the fastest runners even faster, run crews have shifted the focus to inclusivity and take a broader view. They create a community where people feel comfortable and encouraged, which promotes the thrill of progression for all levels. There’s no hierarchy and the crew make sure that new runners get the necessary support. Swarm intelligence is key – the more newbies and veterans mix, the more their expertise is shared.
We kill the pace. We kill beers.
The crew has now grown, boasting many new members who are fully convinced by the concept: sharing an interest, re-igniting an often deeply buried passion for running and (most importantly) meeting new friends. All for free and without any pressure to perform. As we observe PACE KILLERS doing their thing with René sharing out some beers after a Strava segment chase over an iconic bridge in Dresden, it’s clear that performance does not have to come at the cost of having a good time.
To a certain extent, being part of a crew is one way to replace your therapist – especially if you’re not super outgoing. – René
Squad race instead of club championships
The On SquadRace is perhaps the finest example of how PACE KILLERS envision the future of running events. Two clubs, squads, crews or companies go head-to-head over a 5 km circuit, with the winning team being the one with the fastest overall average time. The losing team isn’t even a thing. Music turned up loud and positive vibes all around, the members set about pushing themselves over the set distance and then celebrating.
There’s a designated “Cheer Zone” at the midway point, where megaphones and flares add to the atmosphere. Whether you’re after a personal best or just trying to survive, the (biodegradable!) confetti helps to set the jubilant tone and every runner, whether they’re in your crew or not, is fervently applauded.
We’re just doing half an hour of sport, then having a beer and partying! – René
After being piloted in 2019, On’s SquadRace is set to go global in 2021, bringing the same level of stoke to many more runners. With no entry fees, a whole lot of excitement, and the welcome tingle of nerves that comes from pinning on a start number, everything is pointing in favour of this concept really taking off. For Jan and René, the democratic race-day sensation is important but so is making sure everyone has a great time.
As traditional athletics clubs start to decline, run crews like PACE KILLERS can be a source of inspiration and a way to meet like-minded people. Reinterpreting the age-old sport for a new generation, their version comes without a fixed schedule but with a whole lot of style and seemingly limitless energy. Fun and tolerance take center stage. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, there is no end to the perks of being surrounded by a cool, creative community. Now… where are your trainers?
For more on PACE KILLERS, head to running-culture.de and check out their Instagram-Profil.
Words: Ben Topf Photos: Carsten Beier
