Press & Media
What is Culture Runs?
Culture Runs is a NYC-based, fun and healthy jogging tour to see filming locations from some of your favorite movies and TV shows, and culturally important music-related locations, with an emphasis on punk rock.
This is not your typical slow-paced walking tour through a chaotic Times Square, or riding on a crowded tour bus squinting up at the Empire State Building.
We're going to get some miles in, get you a little off the beaten path, and see some of the places that make NYC great.
The pacing will be modest, at about an 11-12 minute/mile pace, but no one will be left behind.
There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures at each location.
Where did this idea come from?
Recently I was doing some traveling and training for a half-marathon at the same time. At one point in the trip, I found myself in Nashville and decided to get up early to get my miles in and see some of the city.
Knowing Nashville has a rich musical history, as I jogged through Music Row, I found myself wishing I was running alongside someone (or with a group), to point out some of the interesting cultural landmarks.
I immediately recognized that this was a concept I could take back to NYC and make a reality.
Who’s Mike Pelak?
I’m a runner, punk rocker, screenwriter, actor, podcaster, Army veteran, and newly licensed NYC tour operator.
I’ve got an MBA and an MFA, and want to level up the guided tour industry by picking up the pace and having fun doing it.
What kinds of runs does Culture Runs offer?
We will be launching with two initial runs: a film/TV run, and a music run. We’ll run by filming locations from productions like Big Daddy, Hackers, Law & Order, and others. We’ll see music locations like CBGB, Ramones and Beastie Boys album cover photo locations, the birthplace of New York Hardcore, and even one of Taylor Swift’s former homes.
Tours will run approximately 1-1.5 hours, and will offer plenty of opportunities for photos.
We will also be introducing periodic guest runners: actors, musicians, writers, etc who will join us for a run. The people on the email list will be the first to know about these guest runners!
Who should book a run?
Our target customer is just about anyone who finds themselves in NYC: a tourist visiting; someone traveling for business; or someone local looking for something new and interesting.
We will also offer customized private tours for groups, businesses, or individuals.
Anyone who wants to get out for a jog!
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For further questions or to schedule an interview:
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