Saturday at the HOMIES HALF was nothing short of iconic. The energy kicked off early at Berlin Braves HQ with our annual Shake-Out Run in partnership with Nike, and it set the tone for the whole weekend. Over 500 runners showed up, with crews traveling in from New York, Istanbul, London, and beyond — turning the morning into a true international reunion.
Nike pulled up with their truck, giving runners the chance to test out the latest Vaporfly 4s and Vomero 18s, while Gatorade and Vitamin Well kept everyone hydrated and fueled. People lined up early to grab the official shake-out tee, and with Apolonia and Hernsy Hearns on the decks, the vibes were immaculate from the jump. After a warm welcome from Joey and a quick warm-up led by Coach Andi, the crew set off on a relaxed 6K run through Berlin’s beloved Hasenheide park.
But the day didn’t end there — far from it. Post-run, the Braves hosted a chill-down with good coffee, snacks, and more tunes before launching into the second highlight of the day: HOOD LAPS, our annual short-distance street championship. This year, 20 teams from across Berlin and Europe threw down in a series of fast and furious events, all chasing either cash prizes or the elusive mystery tickets.
The lineup included a 4-yard dash straight out of the NFL combine, a high-speed 200m sprint, and the always intense 4 x 400m relay — a crowd favorite that never disappoints. It was a competition meets block party, with local pride, global flair, and that unmistakable HOMIES energy.
International contenders this year were our homies from Patta Running Team, NSLB from London, Mental Athletic, We Run Uptown from NYC and the fast Parisians from Eight Line.
It was street racing meets block party, full of grit, speed, and that unmistakable HOMIES energy.
After two hours of racing, four teams made it to the final: Berlin Track Club, Fresh Patterns Collective, breakout squad Fast Not Furious, and Four Four Running. The final was intense. Berlin Track Club held strong and defended their crown, taking home the cash prize. Fast Not Furious came in hot with some of the day’s fastest individual sprints, earning them the Talent Award — they’ll now be training with us for free and joining the crew for the Copenhagen Half Marathon on September 15. Four Four Running took third, and Fresh Patterns Collective finished fourth — out of 20 teams, that’s nothing but respect.
What a day. Everyone smashed it, and we already can’t wait to do it again next year.
And remember — not everyone is ready to run a half marathon just yet. But that’s the beauty of HOMIES HALF weekend: it’s for everyone. Whether you’re doing the 5K shake-out or testing yourself in HOOD LAPS, there’s always a way to join the journey.
Berlin Braves loves you.
📸 All images by Paula & Branko — check them HERE