Optimistic Runners: From Berlin to the World

Berlin-based brand Optimistic Runners is one of the latest additions to Up There Athletics. Founded by Andrey K. in 2023, O.R creates modern and functional products to empower runners, while maintaining their individual style and expression.  

We had a chat with Andrey about the decision to start a running brand, what makes O.R unique and the Berlin running scene: 

Optimistic Runners is still quite a young brand, having launched in 2023 - what made you want to start OR in the first place? 

Optimistic Runners was born out of my deep and sincere love for running. It has been an integral part of my life for the past ten years, and my passion for it has only grown stronger since I ran my first marathon in Japan. 

  At the same time, I have worked in the fashion industry for over fifteen years. At some point, I realised that Berlin was the perfect place to create something interesting and extraordinary at the intersection of running, design, and culture. It then became clear that Optimistic Runners had to happen. And so it did. 

What were some of the things that surprised you the most about creating a technical apparel brand in the running space? 

The biggest surprise, or rather the most interesting and motivating factor for us, was the opportunity to create a product based on technologies, fabrics and accessories borrowed from other industries. 

We are inspired by the question: how far can we go with this mix while remaining within the boundaries of running clothing? How to combine functionality and technology with aesthetics that allow these items to be used not only while running, but also in everyday life — in spaces and situations where appearance and visual language are particularly important.

This is where our focus lies right now, and this is what we want to bring to the industry. 

How would you describe the running scene in Berlin and how does that influence the designs at OR? 

Berlin is a city that attracts runners from all over the world: some come to set a personal record, others to run the Berlin Marathon and experience the unique, authentic aesthetics of the city.

There is a particular sense of freedom here, both in movement and in visual perception. Running becomes a way to immerse yourself in urban culture, get to know local communities and brands that create something truly unique.

I see the active development of running clubs, the growth of new brands, and a general desire to create things that are unlike anything else. This energy directly influences us and is reflected in the design of Optimistic Runners. 

What are some of your favourite OR pieces or technologies used to produce the current offering you have? 

Right now, our focus is entirely on the AW26 collection. We have overhauled the brand's product range, and every item in the collection features new fabric technology that gives it a more distinctive character. This collection will shape the new visual and tactile identity of Optimistic Runners, and it is this collection that we will present in our showroom in January 2026. 

Let’s chat about LUNGS, which is an editorial project by the team at OR. Was it always the idea to expand the brand universe into other mediums like print or was that an idea that came at a later date?  

LUNGS is a very important and valuable project for us. It provides a platform for collaboration, discussion and dialogue that goes beyond running and superficial topics.

It provides an opportunity to delve deeper into Berlin's heritage — its art, culture and music — and use it as a source of inspiration for creating something new that shapes and influences our everyday lives.

The next edition of LUNGS will be presented in spring 2026, and it will be a truly special release for the whole team.