ALL LOOKS PUMA SELECT MMQ Sport.
Tithey Schulz is the co-founder of Cool Runnings, a group of eight runners with different backgrounds who come together and do what they love most. They now teamed up for one of their biggest challenges so far – running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Together with Puma, SLEEK talks to Tithey Schulz about his passion for sports and the importance of community – while being dressed in Puma’s MMQ Mainline, that continues to build on its momentum by creating timeless, high-quality products designed for lifelong durability. With the addition of a Sport aspect, the focus remains the same, but the materials and design cater to a more functional, active lifestyle—blending running culture with a modern, no-fuss approach.
SLEEK Tithey, you are a co-founder of Cool Runnings. How did you come up with the idea?
Tithey Schulz After having lived in Berlin for three years, I realised that my fast-paced lifestyle made it challenging for me to maintain meaningful connections with people around me. I often met acquaintances and friends at events where interactions were mostly shallow. Therefore, Yannic and I came up with the idea of creating a platform where we could interact and connect with like-minded people outside of events and nightlife. As we both share a passion for exercise and running, it seemed obvious that sports were going to be our weapon of choice to fight small talk and hangovers. That’s how Cool Runnings was born.
ALL LOOKS PUMA SELECT MMQ Sport.
ALL LOOKS PUMA SELECT MMQ Sport.
S When did you start running
TS I started running in my mid-teens, but I didn’t take it as seriously then as I have done for the past six years.
S How has sports changed your life?
TS Sports have always been my anchor, motor, and safe place. They have helped me maintain my physical health in times of stress and improve my mental wellbeing on a daily basis.
S Together with seven other runners, you are running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Tell us about how you came up with this idea.
TS Even though the concept isn’t my own, it’s been a dream of ours to participate in this challenge ever since I heard about it. We see it as the perfect chance to push our physical and mental limits as a team.
S What excites you most about this run?
TS The journey. It’s the time preparing, training, sitting together, working on our strategy, and sharing this collective energy. That’s what I’m most excited about.
ALL LOOKS PUMA SELECT MMQ Sport.
ALL LOOKS PUMA SELECT MMQ Sport.
S What part are you most scared of?
TS It would be unfortunate if someone’s health were affected at any point. Some people warn of stray dogs during the race, but apparently the chances of encountering one are low.
S Can you tell us something about the other seven runners in your club?
TS We are a very mixed group with different backgrounds and strengths. Claudia is an artist but also a very dedicated runner. She is an amazing mum and always brings her kid in the stroller to our runs, which is awesome and inspiring. Carlo is also an artist and leads the sneaker business at a big e-commerce platform. He has been part of Cool Runnings since the early days and has already participated in a half marathon and the Wings for Life World Run with us. Julia is a model and is always flying around the world. For our meeting at the HQ, she came in from Paris. She is a natural running talent and also a certified breathwork instructor. Dino is also a model and close to becoming a chess pro. I haven’t won a single match against him. Dino is one of the most ambitious runners in our squad and is aiming for some serious personal bests this year. Leonie comes from the start-up world. She played handball at a competitive level before transitioning into running. Philipp works as a creative manager in product design. He is a real gem professionally and in terms of personality. He provides us with the best and coolest products from the Puma Innovation + performance teams. Yannic shouldn’t need an introduction. He used to play football at a competitive level in his early 20s and is now known for his exceptional work in bridging the cultures between sports, fashion, and music. He has many international collaborations with big brands under his belt. Apart from being the co-founder of Cool Runnings, he has also been a huge driver in our recent activities. Philipp works as a creative manager in product design. He provides us with the best and coolest products from the Puma Innovation + performance teams.
ALL LOOKS PUMA SELECT MMQ Sport.
S What advantages does having a community give you?
TS A community can be home; it gives you a sense of belonging and purpose. It gives you strength in times of need and a sense of fulfilment when you are able to empower others.
S What was the longest run you’ve ever done so far?
TS That was 50km in the desert of Black Rock City.
S Is there a goal you’d like to achieve someday?
TS My personal goal is to do an Ironman triathlon. But I mostly just enjoy empowering others to become the best versions of themselves.
As featured in SLEEK 84 – CHANGE. Available in print and digital here.
Credits
Photography: Kitty Schumacher @Shotview
Styling: Peninah Amanda @Shotview
Talents: Tithey Schulz, Dino Causevic, Carlo Bellmann, Philipp Spiessl, Yannic Akinyosoye, Claudia Gillies, Leonie Waldorf, Julia Fischer
Creative Direction: Kitty Schumacher, Claude Gerber
Creative Production: Lina Kisra, Claude Gerber
Hair and Makeup: Gigi Hammond
Photography Assistant: Stefan Roess
Hair and Makeup Assistant: Nicole Friedrich