Baghdad Running Club (BRC): How Did Two Young Men Launch an Amazing Running Community in Baghdad? | I Run
Baghdad Running Club (BRC)
One day, Imam al-Shafi’i asked his student Yunus ibn Abd al-A’la, “O Yunus, have you seen Baghdad?” Yunus replied, “No.” Al-Shafi’i said, “You haven’t seen Baghdad? Then you haven’t seen the world!”
Baghdad was never merely a capital; for centuries, it was the jewel of capitals, the metropolis of the world, and the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate—the finish line toward which all the civilizations of the earth raced. A city that embodies “resilience”—it has fallen and risen, stumbled and pressed on, just like a runner. Marathon He refuses to give up until he reaches his goal.
This city’s alleys and streets carry the fragrance of glory and the scent of history from the era of the Abbasid Caliphate. A history too deep to be seen with the eye alone; it is a history experienced with one’s own feet. In the very same streets once traversed by armies, philosophers, and trade caravans, this Iraqi pulse returns today to beat upon the asphalt once more—with a steady rhythm and confident strides—through a running team that has decided to interpret Baghdad’s history in its own way…by running.
Let's start with Ahmed Qasim
On quiet mornings in Baghdad, before the streets filled with cars and pedestrians, two young men would go out for a run, just the two of them. It was almost a secret, to avoid the gossip of bullies and mockers, since the sight was unfamiliar; some people watched them with surprise, and stray dogs chased after them, as if conspiring with the circumstances against their intention to exercise on public streets that weren’t even equipped for running in the first place.
What began with just two young people has, within a single year, grown into a running community with more than 150 runners participating in each race. That’s how the story of the “Baghdad Running Club” began, one of Running Groups which is passionately working to promote a culture of running in the Iraqi capital.
The idea began when Ahmed Qasim decided to break out of his daily routine and go for a run through the streets of Baghdad. It was a simple decision, but an unusual one in a city where the culture of group running is still limited. At first, Ahmed faced puzzled stares and some sarcastic comments, but he kept running, believing that outdoor exercise shouldn’t be limited to a specific city or dependent on the availability of state-of-the-art sports facilities, and that the people of Baghdad also have the right to find space to move and run, despite the city’s poor infrastructure.
Ahmed posted a call on social media looking for people who shared his interest. There wasn’t much response to the post, so he continued running with his friend Muhammad Arshad. They were looking for less crowded streets and spaces where they could run safely—even if only relatively so—given the lack of suitable sidewalks and dedicated running trails.
How did two runners turn into a group of more than 150 participants?
The group didn't grow all at once. One person joined, then another, and the participants began inviting their friends and acquaintances. Over time, running became a weekly activity—and even an event that a growing number of people looked forward to.
Today, more than 150 runners of different ages and skill levels participate in BRC events. Some are running for the first time, while others have prior experience and want to improve their speed or their ability to run longer distances. This diversity has made the group more like an open athletic community, where beginners can start at their own pace, while more experienced runners find others to train and compete with.
The Challenges of Running in Baghdad
Starting a running group in Baghdad is no easy task; the city does not have enough dedicated running trails, and some streets lack safe sidewalks or spaces where people can exercise away from traffic.
Even public parks weren't always an easy option in the beginning. Group members sometimes faced questions or attempts to prevent them from gathering, because the sight of a large group running in a public place was not yet common. In addition, the group had to deal with societal attitudes that weren’t used to seeing young men and women running together on city streets.
However, the organizers of the BRC did not view these challenges as a reason to stop; rather, they saw it as part of their role to introduce people to running and encourage them to see it as a natural activity that anyone can do. The group’s goal is not limited to burning calories or improving physical fitness; it extends to building a sports culture that is more present in everyday life in Baghdad.
A Space That Welcomes Women
One important aspect of the (BRC) experience is women’s participation in group runs. In some conservative environments, women may be hesitant to exercise in public, especially in mixed-gender groups.
That’s why Captain «Basma» and her fellow moderators play a pivotal role in supporting the runners, coordinating their participation, and answering their questions. Having female mentors within the group helps new participants feel more at ease and makes the onboarding experience clearer and more organized.
The team strives to provide a respectful and welcoming environment for both women and men, emphasizing that the group is open to beginners and does not require a specific fitness level. Participation in the runs is free, which removes one of the barriers that might prevent some people from joining organized sports activities.
Where do members of the Baghdad Running Club go for a run? (BRC)؟
The group's runs take place at various locations throughout the capital, depending on the nature of the event and the announced date:
- Al-Zawra Park: The most popular locations for the team’s Monday and Wednesday meetups, given their spaciousness and distance from direct traffic, which gives participants the opportunity to run in a peaceful setting.
- Abu Nawas Promenade: The group organizes runs near the promenade overlooking the Tigris River. During the summer months, the Friday morning run takes place at 5:30 a.m., and at 6:00 a.m. the rest of the year.
Locations and dates are subject to change from time to time, so we recommend following the group's official Instagram account. @BRC_IQ To find out the meeting point and the planned distance for each run. Joining usually doesn't require any complicated procedures; all you need to do is check the announced time and show up at the starting point wearing appropriate clothing and shoes.
What do participants say about the experience?
The group's impact is clearly evident in the comments posted by followers and participants on social media platforms:
- Sarah writes: “”Baghdad has become a better place thanks to your laughter and energy."
- Mustafa describes The atmosphere as “”Imaginary.".
- As for Muhammad, he sums up the experience by saying: “”It is a love letter to life and our beloved streets.".
These comments reveal that the value of the group goes beyond just exercising. For many participants, running has become a way to meet new people, escape the stresses of daily life, and see the streets of Baghdad in a different light. The city, which one usually traverses by car or amid the traffic, looks completely different when you walk or run through its streets alongside a group that shares the same goal.
A goal that goes beyond increasing the number of runners
Ahmad Qasim’s ambition goes beyond simply increasing the number of participants in the Baghdad Running Club. He hopes that, in the coming years, Baghdad will see the creation of safe, well-equipped running trails, and that the sport of running will receive greater support from official institutions. The goal is for runners on the streets and in parks to become a common sight, rather than something that raises eyebrows.
Ahmed believes that change has already begun, and that a community formed over the course of a single year can leave a lasting impact for many years to come. Every person who joins the group may encourage someone else, and every group run makes the idea of exercising in public spaces more accepted and widespread.
Conclusion
BRC started with two young men running alone on streets that weren't used to seeing runners. A year later, it had grown into a community of more than 150 people united by a simple activity: running together.
But what the group has achieved goes beyond the number of kilometers participants cover. It has helped create a space for socializing and physical activity, encouraged beginners and women to exercise, and drawn attention to Baghdad’s need for streets and spaces that are more suitable for pedestrians and runners.
Baghdad may not yet be an ideal city for running, but members of the Baghdad Running Club have already begun to change the city’s relationship with the sport, one step at a time.
On your next visit to Baghdad, don't forget to pack Running Shoes Pack your bags—the Baghdad Running Team is waiting to welcome you with unparalleled warmth, just like the warm welcome I personally received the moment I set foot in Baghdad after joining them.
Run… and start telling your story.
Stories in Baghdad are unlike any other stories; the stories in Baghdad are like those from *One Thousand and One Nights*.
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