Bridging Gaps in Rome and Building a Decade of Community

Nenad, a driving force and captain of Skopje’s vibrant running crew, 091runCRW, recently embarked on a significant journey to Rome. There, he represented his crew as a guest at the 10th anniversary celebration of Runners Of Rome (RoR), an event that transcended a simple half-marathon. This trip immersed him in the heart of the global urban running community, offering a unique opportunity to connect with fellow crew captains and interact with luminaries like Mike Saes, a founder of the ‘Bridge the Gap’ (BTG) movement. As 091runCRW approaches its own decade-long milestone in 2026, we spoke with Nenad about the spirit of camaraderie, the power of international connection, and the enduring legacy his crew continues to build.

Neno, you were in Rome not just to run a half-marathon, but as a guest among fellow crew captains. Can you describe the overall atmosphere of the weekend, from the pasta party to the post-race celebrations?

At the invitation of our friends from Runners of Rome (RoR), I attended their 10th anniversary celebration. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. The invitees were captains and runners from the crews from all over the world, including two pioneers and founders of the BTG movement in the early 2000s. It’s a nice feeling to see each other, talk, and exchange experiences with friends you haven’t seen in a while, even if you follow each other on social networks.

This invitation from the Runners of Rome is a significant recognition of 091runCRW’s place in the international running community. What did it mean to you to represent our crew on this stage, and what were your initial impressions of the Rome running scene?

I wouldn’t put it that way, I would say it’s just a result of our commitment to the running community, of overcoming differences, our openness and sincere friendship, as well as the support we give each other. That’s a result of our trips to BTG events and races all over the planet. That was the only way to meet new teams, people and ideas.

The running scene in Rome is very big. I wouldn’t mention anyone specifically; suffice it to say that our RoR friends are over 200 runners. They organise regular joint urban runnings. While for this race I can say that it is one of the most impressive. For the second race in a row, the organizer managed to create a route that captivates with views of monumental historical sites, the route leads from Circo Massimo, Pyramide , Piazza di populi , Piazza Spagna, Vittorio Emanuele to the  spectacular finish at the Colosseum.

A major figure at the event was Mike Saes, the founder of the Bridge the Gap movement. What was it like to interact with a pioneer of the urban running crew culture, and were there any key messages or stories he shared that particularly resonated with you?

It was a pleasure to meet Saes, founder of Bridge Runners (BR) New York, a man who laid the foundations of the BTG movement more than two decades ago. We had the chance to talk about various topics, he was interested in our story, our crew, the meaning of 091, and races in our town. He told me about the beginnings of BR. The first running events, and the first collaboration with a big brand. USA is a big market, manufacturers of running equipment look for their interests, but also the running teams have their interests. We can learn a lot, but I still think it’s best to stick to running, mutual support, and spreading crewlowe, around us and around the world. But one message remained as a highlight for me: to be BTG, you must be BTG.

The weekend was a melting pot of running cultures from all over the world. What were some of the most interesting conversations you had with other crew captains? Were there common challenges and triumphs that you all shared, regardless of your city?

First of all, I felt great gratitude and respect from ROR for my arrival at their 10th anniversary. My wish and their wish is for them to come to Skopje for a race and to get to know the rest of our team. Our conversations were cordial and sincere. With Saez and Hernandez, we talked about various topics, we also talked about a dream, my dream and my crew, The Speed ​​Project race. A race that you cannot register for, but you can participate in. I will not reveal details, a dream is to dream, now it seems far unattainable, but for many of my 091runcrw friends unattainable dream was also Eurotrip :).But that dream became true.

I must also mention Nacho, an urban legend of BR, a man who surprised me, he said you know Neno, I have been to Krusevo 🙂 What? Krusevo… Neno, to see the Makedonium monument. And then he started showing me photos of the monuments built during the socialist era in Prilep, Kavdarci, Veles… It was glad to see and hear that the Nacho knew a lot about my country.

As 091RUNCrw approaches its 10 year anniversary in 2026, what does this significant milestone mean to you personally, and how do you feel the crew has evolved over past decade to reach this point?

The 10th anniversary is actually perseverance, consistency and persistence, the idea of the existence of this crew to exist. I have a nice feeling of maturity and happiness, the number 10 years of existence is not a little, and it is an image that we send around us and in the world. I am happy for all our joint runs, races, trips and friendships from New York to Sydney, from Stockholm to Johannesburg from Tokyo to Moscow from Rio de Janeiro to Mexico City. BTG across the planet.

Looking ahead to the 10 year celebration and beyond, what are your aspirations for crew’s future, and what legacy do you hope the crew will continue to buid in the years to come?

There have always been ideas, it is just a matter of desire and dedication to put them into practice.  Collaboration and vibe with BTG crews always exists. I will be happy to see as many friends from our BTG family on our 10 years anniversary celebration.

My view on future of the team is in joint runs and joint support, joint training, there is no future in ego trips, and imaginary athletic achievements, we are recreational runners, there is no place for egoism, there is a place for togetherness, love, social responsibility, that will lead more easily to the desired PB or desired run distance.

Interviewed by Filip Popovski

Photos by Nenad’s private archive