Who’s Chasing You grew from eight runners on Mackenzie beach into a club that now runs in Madrid too

0:00 So, who is chasing you?

You know that feeling when you're driving or like maybe you're just walking down the street with a coffee.

Right. Yeah.

And somebody just goes sprinting past you, sweating, completely out of breath.

Oh, I know exactly what you mean.

It is almost this universal reflex to look at them and think, what on earth is wrong with that person? Like, are they okay?

Yeah. It's a deeply ingrained human reaction, actually. I mean, from an evolutionary standpoint, expending that much energy without a clear danger just doesn't compute for us.

Exactly. It's like seeing someone sprint for a bus that...

That isn't even there.

Yes. You almost want to, you know, roll down your window and yell, who is chasing you?

Right.

And it turns out that universal, slightly judgmental reaction is actually the perfect foundation for building a community.

It really is.

Because today we are diving into this incredibly charming interview from Couch to Club.

Which, for those who don't know, is that series on the Runpacks app all about Cyprus run clubs.

Exactly. And we're looking at a group that took that exact hilarious observation about runners and, you know, turned it into an international phenomenon.

Okay. Let's unpack this.

Yeah. Let's do it.

We are talking about a club called Who's Chasing You, based out of Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca, Cyprus.

The members are known as the Chasers, which I absolutely love.

Same. And they've built this by completely flipping the script on what a fitness community is supposed to look like.

Well, the name itself just disarms you immediately, right? You're starting a fitness club by acknowledging the sheer absurdity of running for no reason.

Right. And to understand how they built this, we really have to look at how that name came about.

Oh, the origin story is the best part.

It is. So the founder explained that initially the idea came from this very specific Cypriot Greek phrase.

Okay. Let's hear it.

It's pios se vourá pou píso.

Which translates to what exactly?

It roughly translates to who's chasing you from behind.

Oh, that's perfect.

Yeah. And every time the founder saw a person running outside, that exact phrase would pop into their head.

Like, is this person okay? But, you know, translating a local Cypriot joke into an international identity is pretty tricky. Like, how did they bridge that gap?

Well, they tapped into a cultural moment we basically all share.

Wait, what moment?

So the founder realized the phrase wouldn't quite translate globally. But then they remember this viral video from the COVID days.

Oh, wait, I think I know which one you're talking about.

Yeah, it was the lady in her robe just standing outside literally asking people running by if they were okay or if somebody was chasing them.

Yes. I remember that video. It perfectly captures that collective confusion we all feel.

Exactly. And that connection just sparked in the founder's mind and they ran with it. I mean, it literally became the inspiration for their logo.

The logo is amazing.

If you look at their t-shirts, there is this illustration of a lady in a bathrobe with a towel wrapped entirely around her head.

Just peering over her glasses with this look of deep concern.

Exactly.

It's such a clever social hack. Like, when your logo is literally a joke about how silly running is, it completely lowers the barrier to entry.

It totally does.

3:07 Eight at the first run

But, you know, that raises a massive question for me. If you are the person judging the runners, right, like the metaphorical lady in the bathrobe, what actually possesses you to become a runner yourself?

Well, it came down to a pretty simple math problem in 2024.

Okay.

The founder and their friend Marilena were hitting the gym five days a week.

Wow. Five days.

Right. But they found that five days just wasn't enough. They didn't want to take the weekends completely off.

That is an intense level of dedication. So they decided to fill that weekend void with, like, running.

They did. But, you know, as they were out there on the weekends, they started noticing this pattern.

What kind of pattern?

They saw all these people out running, but they were almost all running completely alone.

Oh, wow.

And they had this sudden epiphany of, you know, we shouldn't run alone.

Which, I mean, that hits on something so prevalent right now with adult loneliness. We have all these people doing the exact same activity in the exact same place, but just totally isolated in their own little bubbles.

Yeah, exactly.

So seeing the problem is one thing, but what was the specific catalyst? Like, how do they actually pull the trigger and turn a two-person weekend jog into an official club?

Honestly, it was just a scheduling conflict.

Really?

Yeah. One day, Marilena just couldn't make it to the run. So the founder was faced with the prospect of going out there alone.

And they didn't want to do that.

Right. That urge to create something bigger, to not run alone, just pushed them over the edge. So they went onto Instagram and posted a close friends story to see who might want to join.

Wait, I have to stop you there. Because posting a close friends story, asking people to exercise with you, is an incredibly vulnerable move.

Oh, absolutely.

Like, you were putting yourself out there to a highly curated group of your actual social circle. If you post, hey, who wants to run with me? And you get zero replies, that is a very specific type of modern rejection.

It is terrifying. And the founder is brutally honest about this in the interview. I actually want to read their exact mindset here because it's the bedrock of any successful community.

Okay, let's hear it.

They said, the truth is, not many of my friends enjoy running, so the results weren't the ones desired.

Oh, no.

But listen to this next part. They said, but who cares? I did it anyway.

But who cares? I did it anyway. Wow.

Right.

That is a phenomenal mindset. If you wait for a guaranteed audience, you will literally never build anything.

Exactly.

You have to push past that initial friction.

They just started doing it anyway.

And it paid off. I mean, from what I read, eight people showed up to that very first run, including the founder and Marilena.

Yes. Eight people.

Which, if you've ever tried to coordinate schedules with other adults for a workout, getting eight people to voluntarily sweat together is basically a superpower.

It really is.

Yeah.

And the team that makes it happen today is just incredible. The source lists them specifically as Marilena, Christoforos, Nikolina, and Damianos.

It's amazing. So, from that first group of eight, they established this rock-solid routine. What does a typical run actually look like for the Chasers today?

6:09 Wednesdays and Sundays at Mackenzie

Well, they meet up either on Wednesday or Sunday.

At Mackenzie Watersports, right?

Yes, right at Mackenzie Watersports on Mackenzie Beach.

Meeting at a place called Mackenzie Watersports already sets a vibe. Like, you could just picture the energy and the beach environment.

Oh, for sure. But the environment is really just the backdrop. The most crucial detail is how they treat you when you get there.

How so?

The team makes a very deliberate point to remember the names of their members so they can greet them properly.

Oh, wow. That is huge.

Right.

That shifts the entire dynamic. It's like the running equivalent of a local neighborhood coffee shop where the barista knows your order before you even speak.

Exactly. Being recognized instantly validates your presence there.

Yeah.

So once everyone is greeted and the initial chit-chat happens, they do a group warm-up. And then comes this ritual that I think is just brilliant.

The group photo.

Yes.

I loved reading about their group photo dynamic because they explicitly mention that they always wait for a stranger to walk past so they can ask them to take the picture.

They refuse to just prop a phone up on a rock.

Exactly. They won't take a wide selfie. It has to be a stranger. Why do you think that is?

Well, it's just such a wonderful social lubricant, you know?

Yeah. It has to be a way of bursting the club's own bubble. When you have a big group of inside jokes, it can feel very closed off to the rest of the world. Forcing an interaction with a random person on the beach just, you know, breaks that invisible wall.

It totally does. It brings an outsider into their joy for just 30 seconds.

Keeps them from taking themselves too seriously, too.

Right. And then once the photo is snapped, the run actually begins.

So where do they go?

They run along the seafront to Finikoudes and back. It's a 5-kilometer total route.

Okay.

And what's super interesting is they have a turning point exactly at the 2.5-kilometer mark that everyone just miraculously knows without even checking a watch.

That is so cool. It's like muscle memory for the collective group.

Yeah, exactly.

The group itself becomes the infrastructure. You don't need signs or maps or anything.

Right. They just know. And the inclusivity of this club is amazing. They always wait at the end for the last runner to finish.

I love that.

Before anyone leaves or goes for coffee.

The coffee part seems pretty essential to the vibe.

Oh, absolutely. Especially the special Sunday after-run gatherings.

Yeah, they sound incredibly laid back. But, you know, reading the interview, there is one strict rule they apparently refuse to bend on.

8:34 Start your watches

Oh, the golden rule.

Yes. And here's where it gets really interesting because I have to push back a little.

Okay. Lay it on me.

So their official motto is, we run for fun, not records.

Right.

But at the same time, someone has to yell, start your watches. And they literally say, if you don't start your watch, the run doesn't count.

Yeah, they are very strict about it.

So why are they so strict about starting their smart watches? Isn't tracking your metrics the total opposite of fun, not records?

Well, what's fascinating here is that it's actually not about the data at all.

It's not?

No. It's less about tracking VO2 max or split times and more about this shared quirky ritual.

Oh, okay.

It's an inside joke that bonds them. It's the ceremonial gong, you know, pressing that button just means you're officially doing this ridiculous thing together.

That makes total sense. It's less about the technology and more about the ceremony.

Exactly.

And speaking of shared rituals, the founder brings up another one that is just hilarious. They ask the members to do TikTok trends every other day.

And nobody ever says no to it.

Which is wild. Try asking a group of breathless, sweaty adults to learn a TikTok dance in public. Usually you get a wall of groans, but here, they just go with it.

It shows how tight-knit they are.

9:56 Your first run

It does. But, you know, with inside jokes and TikToks and all these specific rules, it might seem like a tight-knit clique that's hard to break into.

Oh, for sure.

Like, how do they handle newcomers who might be super intimidated by all of that?

Well, the founder gave some great advice for anyone nervous about a first run. And they shared that most first-timers actually text them in advance.

Oh, so they reach out via Instagram or something before showing up.

Exactly.

Which is great because it gives the runners a little bit of confidence. And it allows the club to know they're coming so they can welcome them properly.

It is so much like sending a quick text before arriving at a crowded house party. Like, hey, I'm pulling up so the host can meet you at the door.

Yes.

That's the exact dynamic. And the founder's mindset on this is just lovely. I'll quote their comforting words, word for word here.

Please do.

They tell people to take it, quote, one run at a time. They promise that you will not be alone. And they make it incredibly clear that walking is totally fine.

One run at a time. I love that. And when you create an environment where walking is fine and newcomers are met at the door, people stick around to create some pretty unforgettable memories.

They really do. Which actually brings us to the run they say nobody will ever forget.

11:05 The two-year party, in the rain

Oh, the two-year anniversary party?

Yes. Their two-year party last May at Lokmakos.

The one with the twist?

The twist being that the weather was absolutely awful.

Right. It was a rainy, moody day. But, I mean, doesn't pouring rain usually ruin a running event and send everyone home?

You'd think so, right? But the founder says it did the exact opposite.

Really?

Yeah. It turned into their best event ever.

Wow.

They ran in the rain. They partied in the rain. And they basically just didn't want it to end. It totally solidified their community bond through this shared, joyful adversity.

That is so cool. Well, shared adversity is such a powerful glue. And to truly understand this joyful mindset of the Chasers, I think we need to play a quick game.

11:49 This or that

Oh, I am ready.

So, in the Couch to Club interview, they did this rapid fire this or that game.

Right.

I am going to excitedly read the options, take a quick guess, and then I want you to reveal what the Chasers actually picked and read their exact reasoning word for word.

Let's do it.

Okay. Round one. Wednesday night or Sunday morning? I'm going to guess Wednesday night, running under the lights.

Nope. The Chasers picked Sunday morning.

Really?

Yep. And their exact reasoning? I prefer to run at night, but Sundays with the club are better.

Oh, that is so sweet. The community overrides their own sleep schedules.

Okay.

Round two. Chasing or being chased?

Hmm.

Their name implies they are observing, but I'll guess chasing. Because you're in control.

They picked being chased. Why? Their reason. Because you run faster with a laughing emoji.

Pure pragmatism. I love it.

Okay.

Round three. Run for fun or run for a PB? Like a personal best. Well, their motto is run for fun, so my guess is definitely run for fun.

You got it. Run for fun. But their reasoning is brilliant.

What is it?

Because that's when the PB comes.

Oh, wow. That is deep sports psychology right there. By removing the pressure, your body just performs better.

Exactly.

Brilliant.

All right.

Round four. Sea dip after or drinks after? They meet at a water sports spot. I'll guess drinks, given the party vibe.

They picked both.

Naturally.

The quote is, in summer, definitely a sea dip. In winter, drinks.

Like it's a ridiculous question. I love the attitude.

Okay.

Okay. Round five. Fiesta night or race day? They partied in the rain. So I'm guessing fiesta night.

They actually picked race day.

Wait. Really?

Yeah.

Over a fiesta?

Yeah. Because, quote, because it always turns into a fiesta.

Of course it does.

Okay.

Final round. Round six. Larnaca or Madrid? Wait.

Yep.

I'm confused by this option. Larnaca or Madrid? They're a Cyprus beach club.

I know. But the Chasers picked? Both. Complete with a little emotional emoji.

Wait. Madrid. How did a beach run club from Larnaca end up in the capital of Spain?

14:17 From Mackenzie to Madrid

Well, the founder explained that they actually moved to Madrid for a while.

Oh. Okay.

And looking around this big city, full of all these lonely runners, they asked themselves a very simple question.

Which was?

Y por qué no? Why not?

Right.

Why not?

Right? So, what does this all mean? Like, how does a Cyprus beach club translate to a massive Spanish metropolis?

They literally just applied the exact same formula.

Did it work?

Oh, completely. By their second run in Madrid, they already had a collaboration for a party.

By the second run?

Yes. If we connect this to the bigger picture, they keep the exact same days, they have a consistent route, and they treat people so they feel they have real running buddies.

Wow. So, they just exported the vibe.

Exactly. It provides this home run feeling, far from home. As the founder says, the only difference is the beach.

The only difference is the beach. That is incredible. Well, thank you so much to you listening for joining us on this deep dive.

15:16 Where to find them

It's been such a fun one.

It really has. And you can find the full Couch to Club story, complete with all their photos, on runpacks.app.

And if you want to join them, the Chasers run every Wednesday at 19:30 and Sunday at 8 in the morning from Mackenzie Watersports. All levels are welcome, and walking is absolutely fine.

Yes. Definitely follow @whoischasingyou on Instagram, especially to catch their save the date for the night of 14 November in Larnaca.

Ooh, yes.

Which is the day before the big Larnaca Marathon, so you know it's going to be a massive fiesta.

It always turns into a fiesta. And before we sign off, I want to leave you with a final thought to mull over.

Okay, what is it?

Next time you see someone doing something alone, whether it's running, reading at a cafe, or starting a new hobby, ask yourself, y por qué no?

Why couldn't this be a community?

Exactly. Sometimes all it takes to build a home away from home is an Instagram story and a willingness to just show up, even if nobody else does.