BEWELL RUN CLUB

About This Event

BeWell is the first U-30 run club in Gorizia, born from a shared passion for sport, wellbeing, aesthetics, and good taste. Founded in December 2025 by two young Gorizia natives, Simone Martina and Federico Cumin, BeWell Run Club represents a new generation's approach to fitness — one where community always comes before competition.

BeWell Run Club is a wellbeing-first community run, created from a shared vision: running not as performance or results, but as a lifestyle, a simple, repeatable ritual that helps build balance and connection. The club meets every Thursday for an easy-pace run in an open and inclusive atmosphere, where showing up matters more than competing. The format is clear: meet-up at 18:45, warm-up, and start at 19:00 at Piazza della Vittoria, Gorizia, with an accessible route of around 5K easy. Everyone can keep their own pace; the goal is to move well, feel better, and do it together.

BeWell is, first of all, a space for community. The founders welcome people who want to carve out just 30 minutes to take care of their body, but find it harder to stay consistent or motivated on their own. Here, the pace is personal, movement is mindful, and the vibe is light. No competition. No pressure. Bring a friend and join us on Thursday.

The Story Behind BeWell

What started as a handful of friends deciding to run together in mid-December 2025 has become something larger than anyone expected. BeWell Run Club emerged from the simple recognition that sport doesn't need to be about performance to be meaningful.

Simone Martina, born in 2006 and a veteran of 14 years on basketball courts, brings operational precision to the crew's community-building efforts. A business administration student and co-founder of DropCafè — a regional podcast focused on young entrepreneurship — Simone understands how to build community through consistent action.

Federico Cumin, the creative director born in 2004, brings a visual eye to the crew's identity and direction. While studying graphic design, Federico ensures that every detail — from social media posts to event graphics — reflects their generation's visual language and aesthetic sensibility.

The growth has been organic and rapid. Within weeks of that first casual outing with just ten friends, what began as friends running became a community of around 60 runners. Thursday evenings now see 20 to 30 people gathering, drawn by an approach that prioritizes showing up over showing off. The crew organizes pace groups so that whether you're working through your first 5K or maintaining base miles for longer distances, there's a place in the pack.

"No Competition. No Pressure."

As Simone Martina told local newspaper Il Goriziano: "We meet every Thursday to run together at an easy pace, in an open and inclusive atmosphere, where being there matters more than competing. Everyone can keep their own pace: the goal is to move well, feel better, and do it together. BeWell is first of all a community space in which we welcome people who want to carve out just 30 minutes to take care of their body, but who alone find it harder to stay consistent or motivated. Here the pace is personal, the movement is mindful, and the atmosphere is light."

The Route: Running Through History

The weekly 5-kilometer route is designed to be accessible and conversational — the kind of effort that lets runners actually talk to each other instead of gasping through forced small talk. The cobblestones of Piazza Vittoria serve as the starting point, where runners gather near the historic Neptune Fountain before setting off.

The route winds through the city center, past Gorizia Castle — the medieval fortress that has watched over the city for nearly a millennium — then down toward the Isonzo River, whose emerald waters have shaped this borderland's identity for centuries, before looping back to the heart of the city. The entire circuit is designed so that runners of all levels can participate comfortably, with the focus on enjoying the scenery and each other's company rather than chasing personal records.

For those who want to extend their running experience, Gorizia offers exceptional running infrastructure. The city is remarkably runner-friendly — a "Central European living room" where the pedestrian center allows you to pass through the city's most significant historic sites, parks, tree-lined avenues, buildings, and monuments without worrying about traffic or smog.

Piazza della Vittoria: The Heart of Gorizia

Piazza della Vittoria is the living room of Gorizia — a perfect triangle where Baroque architecture meets everyday life, and where centuries of history echo through every cobblestone. For BeWell Run Club, this square represents more than just a meeting point; it embodies the spirit of community that defines the club's philosophy.

In the 16th century, this space was known as "Travnik" — Slovenian for meadow — a simple open field at the foot of the castle hill. As the city grew, the Jesuits built their college and the magnificent Church of St. Ignatius (1654-1767), designed by the Jesuit architect Christoph Taucher. The church's distinctive onion domes, blending Austrian and Italian Baroque styles, have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Gorizia.

At the center of the square stands the elegant Neptune Fountain, sculpted by Marco Chiereghin in 1756 from a design by Nicolò Pacassi. The fountain has witnessed centuries of transformation — from Habsburg rule through two world wars, the forty days of Yugoslav administration in 1945, and beyond. In 1925, the Monument to the Fallen was inaugurated, honoring soldiers of the First World War and adding another layer of historical significance to this already meaningful space.

Today, surrounded by stately palaces, historic cafés, and lively bars, Piazza della Vittoria serves as the nerve center of Gorizia's social fabric. From 2025, as Nova Gorica and Gorizia served as European Capitals of Culture, the square has become a cross-border meeting point — symbolizing unity and cooperation between two cities that were once divided.

For the young runners of BeWell, gathering at the Neptune Fountain each Thursday evening connects them to this rich tapestry of history while they write a new chapter — one of health, community, and borderless connection.

More Than Running: The Post-Run Ritual

In the BeWell philosophy, what happens after the run matters as much as the run itself. The group reconvenes at Al Bakaro, the welcoming bar at Piazza Vittoria 59 that serves as their unofficial headquarters. It's here, over drinks and conversation in the shadow of historic architecture, that the community aspect truly crystallizes. The running brings people together, but these post-run moments cement the connections.

On Sundays, the format expands to long runs of 12-15 kilometers, often starting from Al Bakaro at 9:00 AM and ending at Panificio Cotic for a well-deserved breakfast. These longer excursions take runners beyond the city center to explore the beautiful surrounding landscapes of the Gorizia region, building both endurance and deeper friendships.

The "BEWELL Editions" take the community to different locations across Friuli Venezia Giulia — experimenting with sunset runs in Grado by the Adriatic Sea and lifestyle events in Udine that incorporate music, DJs, and morning club atmospheres. These aren't training runs disguised as parties or parties disguised as training runs. They're something new entirely — attempts to create experiences that honor both the physical demands of the sport and the social possibilities it enables.

BeWell and the Global Social Running Revolution

BeWell Run Club isn't just a local phenomenon — it's part of a global movement that's transforming how young people think about fitness, community, and wellbeing. According to Strava's 2025 Year in Sport report, the number of running clubs on the platform increased 3.5 times in 2025 compared with the previous year. Running clubs have become the new social hotspots, with 37% of Gen Z users viewing them as great places to make new connections.

BeWell represents the first running club created by Generation Z friends in Gorizia, possibly in all of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This is significant because it shows how running culture is evolving when filtered through different generational priorities — where authenticity, mental health, and genuine human connection matter more than competition metrics.

Global research backs up what BeWell's founders instinctively understood. A 2025 report found that 56% of Gen Z consumers say fitness is a "very high priority" — more than any other generation. But unlike previous generations who ran to beat the clock, today's young runners are motivated by something different: 72% of Gen Z go to run clubs to meet new people, and 39% more Gen Z than Gen X use fitness to meet people who share their interests.

"Doomscrolling is out, movement is in," says Strava. Across the world, young people are swapping late nights for early runs, finding in community running what previous generations found in pubs and clubs — a sense of belonging, routine, and genuine human connection.

BeWell and GO! 2025: Culture Without Borders

BeWell Run Club is proud to be part of the official program of GO! 2025 — the European Capital of Culture shared between Nova Gorica and Gorizia. This prestigious designation represents a historic moment: the first time two cities from different nations have jointly held the title, embodying the spirit of a "borderless" European Capital of Culture.

The GO! 2025 program recognizes that culture encompasses far more than traditional arts — it includes the culture of wellbeing, community building, and the innovative spirit of young people creating something meaningful in their city. BeWell Run Club exemplifies this expanded vision of culture: young entrepreneurs using sport as a vehicle for social connection, mental health, and cross-border community building.

Running through Gorizia's streets each Thursday, the BeWell community literally lives the borderless ideal that GO! 2025 celebrates. The 5K route itself traces a path through centuries of shared Italian-Slovenian history, past monuments that have witnessed both division and unity. As the club grows, it represents a new model for how young people can create community infrastructure that naturally transcends borders.

Why Join BeWell?

• No membership fees — BeWell is completely free to join
• No performance requirements — Walk, jog, or run. The only requirement is showing up
• Inclusive pace groups — Whether it's your first 5K or your fiftieth, there's a place for you
• Meet people — Join a growing community of 60+ like-minded young people
• Explore Gorizia — Discover the city's historic center and beautiful routes
• Post-run social — Enjoy the community atmosphere at Al Bakaro after every run
• Weekend adventures — Participate in Sunday long runs and special BEWELL Editions events
• Wellbeing first — Prioritize your mental and physical health in a supportive environment

Sunday Community Long Runs

In addition to the weekly Thursday gatherings, BeWell organizes Sunday long runs that stretch to 12-15 kilometers. These longer outings typically start from Al Bakaro at 9:00 AM and conclude with a celebratory breakfast at Panificio Cotic — a beloved local bakery known for its artisanal breads and pastries made with natural sourdough.

The Sunday runs offer a different rhythm from the Thursday evening sessions — more time to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Gorizia, to push personal boundaries in a supportive group setting, and to build the deeper bonds that come from shared effort and accomplishment.

How to Join

Joining BeWell couldn't be simpler. No registration required, no fees, no performance standards. Here's how to get started:

1. Show up — Come to Piazza della Vittoria, Gorizia any Thursday at 18:45
2. Warm up — Join the group warm-up at 18:45
3. Run — Start at 19:00 for the ~5K easy route
4. Connect — Stay for drinks and conversation at Al Bakaro after the run
5. Follow — Connect on Instagram @bewellrun and Strava to stay updated

Pro tip: Bring a friend for your first run! Having someone you know makes the first step even easier, and you'll both discover a community that welcomes everyone.

Visiting from Nova Gorica or Beyond?

BeWell Run Club warmly welcomes runners from across the border and beyond. If you're visiting from Nova Gorica, Slovenia, reaching Piazza della Vittoria is easy — the square sits at the heart of Gorizia's historic center, just a short walk from the border crossing points. The shared European Capital of Culture status means that crossing between the two cities has never been easier or more natural.

For visitors from further afield, Gorizia makes an excellent running destination. The city's pedestrian center, parks, gardens, and scenic corners — combined with almost no traffic and minimal smog — create ideal conditions for urban running. The 8-kilometer historic loop that takes you past parks, tree-lined avenues, monuments, and squares without encountering significant traffic is a runner's dream.

Whether you're a local looking for a new community, a cross-border resident wanting to connect with both sides of the Gorizias, or a traveler passing through during the GO! 2025 celebrations, BeWell offers an open door and a friendly pace.

What to Bring

• Comfortable running shoes
• Weather-appropriate athletic wear
• A reusable water bottle
• A positive attitude (this is the only requirement!)
• A friend (optional but encouraged)

Weather Policy

BeWell runs happen rain or shine — this is part of the club's philosophy of consistency and commitment. As the global running community often says, "There's no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." However, in cases of severe weather or unsafe conditions, updates will be posted on the club's Instagram account @bewellrun.

About GO! 2025 European Capital of Culture

GO! 2025 is the first cross-border European Capital of Culture, jointly held by Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy. Throughout 2025 and into 2026, this historic designation celebrates the unique identity of these twin cities that share a common history yet developed separately after World War II when the border divided them.

The program encompasses hundreds of events spanning culture, art, music, film, theater, architecture, cuisine, technology, sport, and community initiatives — all designed to promote the "borderless" spirit of cooperation and shared European identity. From the EPIC district that transformed the former border zone into a vibrant cultural hub, to major events like the Friendship March and the Illuminated Closing Ceremony, GO! 2025 has redefined what a European Capital of Culture can be.

BeWell Run Club is proud to contribute to this legacy by demonstrating how grassroots community initiatives can embody the borderless, wellbeing-focused values that GO! 2025 promotes. The club welcomes runners from both sides of the border and beyond, creating the kind of organic cross-border community that no government program alone can achieve.