Run Dem Crew make it clear they are not simply a ‘running club’ – they are first, a community that runs together
A ‘running crew’ that aims to be more than your standard run club has grown to include members worldwide and has partnered with some of London’s biggest sports teams.
Run Dem Crew started in East London in 2007 by DJ, poet and writer Charlie Dark as an alternative to more traditional running clubs. With a core group of around 40 to 50 members, the crew has established itself as a ‘real family’ and community – even having people flying in from the United States and Europe to take part in events with them.
Dicky Penn, 46, joined Run Dem in 2019. Dicky told MyLondon: “My friend talked me into coming. My son had just been born, and I started running, and it felt miserable. I came down to Run Dem when we were in Brixton, and I’ve been with them ever since.
“Charlie gave me the chance to start leading groups and now we are like a big family. We have marathon shake-outs and meet up with people from the States and Europe; there end up being like hundreds of us. This crew culture is popping up everywhere in the world, so if you travel anywhere in the world for a run, you can find people there who can help you out. We’ve made it into an international, global family.
“In the world we live in now, having a community like this, full of people of all walks of life, where running brings us together. We have people who are 18, people who are 60. To have a place where you can come and talk, test yourself at the same time, and expand your horizons- that’s gold.”
The international aspect stems from Run Dem Crew’s partnership with the New York-based group Bridgerunners. They came together and formed ‘Bridge The Gap’ — which gives people the chance to meet up with local runners in different parts of the world who can show them the area, offer them a place to sleep, and celebrate the community. Other groups include Paris Run Club and Berlin Braves.
The crew is now based in Spitalfields after moving around London. They also help provide mentorship to young people. Their mantra is that they are ‘not a running club’ but a ‘family and community’.
Run Dem Crew recently took part in an event with Oakley Meta and Arsenal where they ran a 5K around Islington. It is these events that make Dicky proud to be part of them and to be at the front, leading the runners on their way.
When MyLondon attended the event, the atmosphere and energy provided by the Run Dem Crew were instantly infectious. We spoke to members of the crew, who said the ‘vibe’ and the crew’s togetherness were what made them join in the first place.
Dicky added: “Being a part of events like this, with a big group, the energy is always high. I know that people will have made connections that will have sparked something. It’s a privilege to stand at the front and know these connections are happening behind me.”
Sheldon, a Run Dem Crew member, said: “There are no fast runners, slow runners; it’s a community here, and we all help each other.”
There is an easy way to see more of MyLondon’s stories from first-person stories to the latest news on the London transport. Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives and top stories.It’s quick, free and easy to do. Simply click here.
