Run-Clubs: Erst Run Club, dann Cappuccino – ein neues Geschäftsmodell für den Laufsport

In the heart of Düsseldorf's Altstadt, a Sunday morning before 8 AM, runners in athletic attire converge on the square in front of a church on Bastionstraße. Both in summer and winter, more than a hundred individuals gather weekly for a warm-up and a 5 to 10-kilometer run. At 8 sharp, the group sets off at a leisurely pace towards the Rhine.

Leading the charge is David Ebisch, one of the founders of the sport brand Another Cotton Lab, who established the Sunday Running Club. Operating for two years, the running group meets every week, though attendance varies. Some come regularly, while others attend occasionally. Participation is free and voluntary, with no requirement to wear the brand's clothing.

For Ebisch, the concept of a run club seemed natural: "We already run together once a week as a team. Eventually, we thought, why not invite our friends and customers to join us?" Initially, only a few participants showed up; during special events, numbers reached 200 to 300. On average, the group consists of around 100 individuals.