Every Sunday morning, dozens of young people gather with running shoes on and a common goal: to run together. Speed doesn't matter, experience doesn't matter. The motto is simple: "keep pace with the last runner." Thus was born Suncity RunClub , the sports community that aims to transform running from a solitary activity into a collective ritual of inclusion, friendship, and socialization.
From the first idea to the milestone of 50 runners
The project was born from the intuition of two friends from Cagliari, Manfredi Giovanni Seu, 28, and Stefano "Stewie" Meleddu, 27. In just a few months, the group has grown to nearly 50 participants on a single outing. And not just offline: on Instagram, they already have over 1,900 followers, while their content on TikTok is going viral. Between Poetto and the city center, they have created a veritable herd of zebra runners, a symbol of unity and freedom.
"Running was a way to meet new people and have a good time," Manfredi says. "It helped me physically and mentally, and I wanted to share that with others."
Stefano adds: "In Cagliari, people often think there are no opportunities, but that's not the case. We said to ourselves: if we want to do something, we have to do it our way. That's how Suncity was born."
A club open to all
The format is clear: a 5km run accessible to everyone, followed by stretching, a cool-down, and a final refreshment. For the more experienced runners, known as "dogs," there's no shortage of extra training and activities like hiking, soccer, or climbing.
The beating heart of the community is a WhatsApp group where progress, encouragement, and events are shared. "The zebra is our symbol," explains Manfredi. "A free animal, protected by a herd: together we achieve our goals."
Davide Fresu and Marco Cadeddu, who manage digital content, also contribute to their growth. "I joined as a newbie, and I found incredible energy," says Davide. Marco confirms: "Anyone who lives in Cagliari should know them; their spirit is contagious."
And the participants' testimonies speak for themselves. "We stick together and no one gets left behind," says Marco Murgia. "I combined physical effort with company," adds Francesco Lusso. For Letizia Rombi, at her first experience with running, "the inclusive environment was the driving force. Even though I'm slow, they always motivated me."
Future projects
Suncity's future is yet to be written: an eco-friendly run in Poetto, a sports and music event, the creation of a non-profit organization. Meanwhile, every Sunday is already a regular event. Just lace up your shoes and join the Suncity herd.