Run Club Chronicles: Berlin Braves
The Run Club Chronicles
The Berlin Braves are a Berlin-based sports club with a thriving community of athletes, creatives, and culture enthusiasts. Since their inception, they have been a symbol of inclusivity, collaboration, and self-expression. What began as a basketball team has evolved into a dynamic, multifaceted collective that embraces not only athleticism but also music, art, and fashion. Known for their iconic events like HOMIES HALF, Hoodlaps, and the Cheer Zones, the Braves continue to inspire athletes and creatives worldwide.
Their influence extends far beyond Berlin, with global connections fostered through participation in races and creative collaborations, solidifying their presence as a cultural force. The Braves’ inclusive approach makes them a beacon for individuals who value community, creativity, and an active lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone looking for a supportive crew to explore your potential, the Berlin Braves welcome you to join their journey—a movement that champions diversity and togetherness.
When we started the Run Club Chronicles, the Berlin Braves were high on our list. To learn more about their journey and the inspiration behind the club, we reached out to Joey, the founder. He shared invaluable insights into the origins and growth of this incredible sports collective, and we're excited to share his story with you.
Let's start with a short introduction of yourself and Berlin Braves!
My name is Joey Elgersma. Originally from Amsterdam, I moved to Berlin in 2010. I've been deeply passionate about sports since childhood, always aiming to become a professional basketball or baseball player. When that path didn’t work out, my focus shifted toward fashion and community building. After being kicked off from the CIOS in Arnhem for being too outgoing and extravagant—and hosting too many parties—I saw it as a sign to move forward and explore new directions. My journey through initiatives for fashion brands, magazines, clubs, and festivals eventually led me to Berlin, where I joined a major fashion tradeshow in 2010.
About two years after moving to Berlin, while at Tempelhofer Airfield, I stumbled upon an old, abandoned basketball gym. The unusual logo on the court read "Berlin Braves USAF-TAB," and the discovery left a lasting impression. Inspired, I decided to adopt the name for my newborn crew. I just missed sports in my life and just a few months later, during the Berlin Half Marathon, we connected with other pioneering crews like Bridgerunners, NBRO, Run Dem Crew, and Patta Running Team—marking the beginning of an incredible journey for the Berlin Braves.
Here you can see a video we made around that time, in the original gym with the OG crews. S/O to Mike Saes and Charlie Dark for starting the BTG movement.
Pat Williams, Ed Cole and John Reale played together in a city divided by war. This helped the 1960 Berlin All Stars form a unique bond that would last a lifetime. 56 years later they reunite to discover their legacy is very much alive in the Berlin baseball scene today.
Director: Stephan Wever & Paul Ward
Creative Director Joey Elgersma
Edited by Chris Amos
Berlin Braves is known for some amazing events, such as HOMIES HALF, Hood Laps, and the afterparties after a race. Which event meant the most to you and stood out?
So many moments stand out—the festival celebrating our 5th anniversary in 2017 with the incredible Riky Rick from South Africa (rip), our promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga with Braves Basketball, design collaborations with Nike, EA Sports, and Bandit, the mural of Eliud Kipchoge and his visit to our HQ. Each memory holds a special place, but what excites me most is knowing that our upcoming events will be even better. With every year, our consistency and experience continue to elevate what we do as a crew.
BERLIN BRAVES Summer Diary is a visual scrapbook series by visual artist Violette Esmeralda and Joey Elgersma
Chapter one covers the Braves’ 5 Year Anniversary weekend during the Berlin Half Marathon - a series of events bridging the gap between music, sports, fashion and lifestyle. The episode is an intimate exploration of the way people from diverse backgrounds connect over like-mindedness. It is not only a showcase of international youth brightening up the city but also a reflection of aspirations, personal struggles and overcoming obstacles.
Appearances by:
RAY BLK (UK), Riky Rick (SA), Patta Soundsystem (NL), Kojo Funds (UK) and many more
Director: Violette Esmeralda
Creative Director: Joey W. Elgersma
DOP: Dominik Wieschermann
Additional Camera: Kevin Dinges
Berlin Braves has grown enormously over the years with amazing athletes. How do you keep the closeness of the community while it continues to grow?
With growth comes change, and with change comes the need to constantly reinvent yourself. In any community, farewells are as common as new welcomes. The key is to not take anything personally and keep moving forward. Life knocks us down countless times, but it’s about how we rise again and maintain our confidence. The same is true for building and sustaining a community. Celebrate those who deserve recognition, inspire those who seek motivation, and gracefully part ways with those who can’t commit or contribute meaningfully. When you build a house in a certain color, those who resonate with that color will naturally want to be part of it.
What makes the Berlin Braves truly special is that many of our athletes and members live outside Berlin yet continue to support us from wherever they are. Our active running team in Berlin currently has over 100 runners—a number that remains manageable thanks to the dedication of our leadership team. Basketball is bigger in terms of members but the team behind it as well.
“Celebrate those who deserve recognition, inspire those who seek motivation, and gracefully part ways with those who can’t commit or contribute meaningfully.”
Berlin Braves is known for its amazing athletes, both basketball players and runners. How do you engage with both recreational runners and those who take the sport more competitively?
We’re all human, drawn to the things we love—whether it's running, music,photography or design—and we connect through those shared passions. Some of our faster runners may have additional programs or coaches, but it’s the social aspect that draws them to the Braves. We’re a family. It might sound corny, but just like in life, some seasons are easier than others. That’s no different from the ups and downs you face at work or with family at home.
Sometimes, it’s about dealing with the most ambitious or the loudest voices first, but it’s just as important to make sure the quieter ones are heard as well.
You guys are amazing at blending sports with art, fashion, and music. What motivates this intersection of culture and athletics?
Thank you! <3
The intersection of culture and athletics is simply my life. I’ve never been able to choose just one passion or settle on a single path for what I wanted to be when I grew up. Society often sees that as indecisive or problematic, but when I started the Braves, I had a clear vision—not just to be a typical run crew but to explore multiple sports I love and surround myself with creatives who inspire me to keep pushing forward.
Becoming a father in 2016 solidified this mindset. I promised myself I wouldn’t care anymore about societal expectations. My focus became doing as many meaningful and exciting projects as possible, building a unique platform that can continue to inspire others long after I’m gone.
As the founder, what values or principles guide your leadership within the Braves?
Be kind to others and to the world. Embrace your creativity fully, and strive to become the fastest, healthiest version of yourself. And while we’re at it, let’s do things differently—challenge the norm and make our own path.
What legacy do you hope the Berlin Braves will leave for Berlin and the global running and sports community?
I hope the Berlin Braves will leave a legacy of happiness, inclusivity and vibrancy, bringing color to Berlin—often considered Europe's grayest capital. I want us to continue to redefine running and be recognized as the name that embodies excitement and innovation in sports, both in Berlin and across the globe.
Do you have aspirations to expand the Braves’ influence beyond Berlin or into other sports?
Yes, we’re exploring an expansion to Brooklyn—but it's still in the early stages. So you didn’t hear it from me!
Lastly, what does being part of the Berlin Braves mean to you personally?
The Berlin Braves is the reason I’ve stayed in Berlin for nearly 15 years instead of returning to Amsterdam. It has become the project, the business, and the circle of great friends I’ve always dreamed of.
