Why NEAK! starts at 5:30 — not 5:31

'We chose 5:30 because nobody accidentally shows up at 5:30,' says the founder of NEAK! Run Club, a crew that's become one of Phnom Penh's most talked-about running communities. 'It's a commitment. You either mean it or you don't.'

NEAK! started in 2025 with eight people and no Instagram. Today they have over 500 members, a waitlist for their signature Saturday runs, and partnerships with Cambodia Sport for hydration. The growth happened without being chased.

“We never promoted ourselves. We just ran, every week, in the dark, and people started showing up.”

— NEAK! Founder

'We never promoted ourselves. We just ran, every week, in the dark, and people started showing up. Word spreads when something is real.' The club's signature move is radio silence on logistics until 24 hours before — the route is shared on Telegram the night before, start point is always the same.

Their upcoming NEAK! × Élysée Run on May 30 is already capped at 10 spots for the 10KM route. 'That's by design. Small groups run better. When you know everyone around you, you push harder.'

“Small groups run better. When you know everyone around you, you push harder.”

— NEAK! Founder