Běhej Srdcem Interview
Richard Taylor, also known as Bitcoin3us, organises running events worldwide. These gatherings serve as excellent opportunities for meeting new people. As part of the major Bitcoin conference, BTC Prague is hosting two runs in the city. Jiří Václavík of Běhej Srdcem conducted this interview with him.
You organise social runs at various bitcoin events. How did you come up with the idea to connect running and bitcoin?
I became involved with both bitcoin and running around 2014/2015, becoming completely engrossed in each. Initially, I didn’t link the two activities, but later recognised how both were positively transforming my life. Four years forward, running and bitcoin dominated my focus. As a non-developer seeking involvement in the bitcoin community, I founded Bitcoin Runners at an Andreas Antonopoulos gathering in London. I met Anibal Sanchez there, and we planned a 5km run together the following day. We became so engaged in conversation that we ended up running over 20km.
How would you describe these events?
These events are a great combination of getting some light exercise, fresh air, sightseeing, and socialising. We typically convene the day before conferences begin and run/jog at conversational pace for approximately 5km. For larger groups like those at BTC Prague, multiple leaders guide participants at different paces. We regroup frequently and follow traffic-free routes featuring popular landmarks.
Is networking the main goal?
Networking represents a beneficial side effect. Group running proves surprisingly satisfying and aids breathing while relieving stress. Our primary objective centres on enjoyment and fitness.
How many events have you organised so far and where?
Including the initial impromptu London event, this represents our twentieth group run. We additionally coordinate the annual Running Bitcoin Challenge, a global running initiative raising awareness and funds for ALSA in Hal Finney’s memory.
Do you have any interesting stories from these runs?
Last year we conducted the Pier to Pier Run at the Pacific Bitcoin conference in Los Angeles, launching the Running Bitcoin Challenge. Asher Garfinkel, ALSA Golden West Chapter Vice President for Community Outreach, attended, honouring Hal Finney and discussing fundraising. We ran from one pier to another along Santa Monica beach. As we finished, a massive Goodyear airship flew overhead with a spectacular sunset. A message from above perhaps?
Do you have regular events with a stable group?
Due to our decentralised structure, we lack one consistent meeting location, time, or group. During event runs, we establish Telegram chat groups for local and visiting members to connect and suggest runs. Community group links appear on our website.
How many people usually join?
Numbers vary by event size. Our largest attendance was approximately 50 runners at Bitcoin 2021 in Miami.
Who are they?
Regular people — programmers, artists, entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, lawyers, pharmacists, etc. You wouldn’t immediately recognise them as bitcoiners.
Are you still in touch with people you’ve met?
Yes, Bitcoin Runners introduced me to remarkable athletic bitcoiners and created lasting friendships.
Is this a one-man operation?
Initially yes, but our volunteer leader team has expanded. Special recognition goes to Vitus Zeller (TeamSatoshi founder), Janine Griesser (SatoshiStore.io founder), and JakobFN for leading runs and community development.
You operate an e-shop with club merchandise. What’s most popular?
Janine supplies merch from SatoshiStore.io. The most popular item has to be the shirt. It’s made from high quality technical fabrics, it feels good and looks great!
What should BTC Prague participants expect?
Over 100 people have registered. Participants anticipate an easy 5km social run/jog through Prague’s Old Town, finishing with optional refreshments at a bar.
How well do you know Prague? What’s your planned route?
I occasionally visited Prague during my aviation industry career, but it’s been years. I use Strava’s mapping function to follow popular paths. We’ll conduct a daytime practice run to verify the route.
You recently ran a sub-3 marathon in Manchester. What’s your favourite running race?
Thank you. The Serpent Trail Race, near my Hampshire home, is my favourite. It’s part of the Golden Trail National Series, offering 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5km options. The best part is it follows a stunning trail through the South Downs national park which includes rare heathland, ancient woods and golden valleys.
Do you have specific running goals?
My primary objective involves maintaining fitness. Running provides maximum physical and mental benefits. I’ve prioritised regular running above everything else and witnessed friends across all ages benefit tremendously from this approach.
What’s your role in crypto beyond Bitcoin Runners? Which projects fascinate you?
Beyond Bitcoin Runners and the Running Bitcoin Challenge, I’m developing Bitcoin Gambia and Lightning Piggy. Bitcoin Gambia focuses on expanding a bitcoin circular economy in West Africa. Lightning Piggy is an open-source savings application enabling children to save satoshis.
What does bitcoin mean to you?
Bitcoin represents a new foundation based on freedom: freedom to save, transact, and live in a self-sovereign independent way. It reverses our current reliance on political money, authoritarianism, and inflation. Like running, bitcoin shifts long-term thinking and encourages living within means for healthier futures.
Is it the future of our payment system?
I’ve visited El Salvador twice since its bitcoin adoption. Experiencing life there revealed the payment system’s future. Beyond hotel and meal payments, my most memorable moment involved purchasing fried chips from a street vendor using bitcoin Lightning — faster and simpler than Visa/Mastercard, especially significant given 1.4 billion unbanked adults globally.
What are you most anticipating at BTC Prague?
For me the best part of these events is meeting the people in real life who have shared interests and values. Large events create inspiring atmospheres showcasing how rapidly bitcoin and freedom tech movements are expanding globally.
I thank Matyas Kuchar and the entire BTC Prague team for uniting the community in Europe’s heart.
Interview by Jiří Václavík for Běhej Srdcem