Captivating the hearts of Londoners and turning the routine exercise into a riveting experience, ‘Run Dem Crew’ is radically reshaping the running scene of the metropolis. Embrace the streets of London like never before in an exhilarating blend of fitness, community spirit, and urban exploration. We invite you to lace up your trainers, as we journey through our first-hand experience with Run Dem Crew, a phenomenon that’s sprinting its way into graffiti-filled tunnels, over iconic bridges, and around familiar circles — to change what it means to run in London. It’s not just lacing up and breaking sweat; it’s camaraderie and culture rolled into a swift jaunt at nightfall. Ready to stride with us? Hold on tight; this is not your typical run around the park!
In our comprehensive review of Run Dem Crew, we explore the running group’s origins, its partnership with Gymbox, and its impact on the running community. We also delve into the unique features and benefits of joining Run Dem Crew, including their emphasis on creativity through movement and their RDC Youngers initiative that empowers young people in London. Additionally, we discuss participants’ reported improvements in running performance through engaging in Run Dem Crew sessions. Overall, our review aims to provide an insightful perspective on what makes Run Dem Crew a remarkable running experience.
Table of Contents
- Experiencing Run Dem Crew
- Impact of Run Dem Crew
- Participating in Run Dem Crew Events
- Gaining Insights through Workshops and Seminars
Experiencing Run Dem Crew
Run Dem Crew (RDC) is a collective of creative people in London who are passionate about running and exchanging ideas. A typical RDC run includes an exciting journey through city streets and communities, ending at a local pub for post-run drinks. The weekly schedule involves various distances up to 10km, with runs on Tuesdays starting from the lululemon store in Spitalfields market. Other session days and locations are available to members through their website or Instagram.
Locations and Organized Runs
RDC has numerous organized runs every week throughout the year. On Tuesdays, the crew meets for runs around East London, where members can socialize while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Other sessions take place on Thursdays and Saturdays in different locations across London. Members are informed about these sessions either via their newsletter or social media platforms such as Instagram.
One of the most iconic RDC traditions is the “LDN to PARIS” event – a 243-mile relay race that starts in London and ends in Paris. The two-day run takes crews through stunning countryside landscapes, challenging hills, and small French towns before concluding at Trocadéro Gardens underneath the Eiffel Tower.
What’s more exciting than running? Running with your like-minded community! RDC provides its members with crucial support to reach their running goals while fostering new friendships along the way.
Whether it’s your first experience with a running club or a seasoned pro looking to enhance your skills, RDC is an excellent platform with enthusiastic coaches who inspire people at every level of fitness. If you’re searching for a community committed to promoting regular exercise, positive mental health ideas and exchange innovative perspectives – Run Dem Crew should be one for you.
| Location | Distance | Time | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodGym Haringey | 6-10km | 7 pm | Tuesdays |
| Hackney | 10-15km | 7 pm | Thursdays |
| Victoria Park | 6-10km | 4 pm | Sundays |
Diverse and Positive Atmosphere
Run Dem Crew is a unique running group that fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity, positivity, and diversity. As soon as you set foot in any of their weekly sessions, you immediately feel part of a family. The founder, Charlie Dark, leads the sessions together with well-trained Captains who ensure everyone feels welcome. You’ll find people from different backgrounds and cultures, making it a melting pot of diverse personalities.
As soon as you complete the warm-up session, the crews start off on a tour of the city’s landmarks and iconic spots while running through some lesser-known areas. You get to experience all of London’s beauty while surrounded by a supportive community that’s cheering you on throughout the entire route. There are breaks in between where participants can interact and take pictures, creating memories that last long after the run has ended.
Impact of Run Dem Crew
Run Dem Crew has become more than just a typical running group; it’s now an international movement dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people globally. In London, Run Dem Crew encourages creativity through movement with their RDC Youngers initiative, aimed at inspiring and empowering young people in London. They provide mentorship programs for aspiring runners and encourage artistic expression throughout their activities.
One significant impact that this group has had is changing how people perceive running — from being seen as something negative to an activity that can generate fun with like-minded individuals. The influence extends beyond the members into the community around which they operate; they have gone to great lengths to create positive changes in different neighborhoods through community work.
“To be honest, I didn’t ever think I’d be someone who loves running- before joining Run Dem crew I thought it could only be punishment! But now it’s one of my favourites things to do because these guys are so motivating and encouraging. They’ve created such an amazing atmosphere where I feel comfortable just being myself – plus running is easier when you’re surrounded by friends!” – Member of Run Dem Crew.
The group exemplifies the power of coming together and sharing experiences, which transcends beyond the physical activity. It brings people together across cultures and communities with a shared goal to improve lives, make new friends and discover a new side to themselves that they wouldn’t have found otherwise.
As we’ve now seen how much of an impact Run Dem Crew makes in London, let’s delve into one of the most important aspects for them, which is mentoring and inspiring young runners.
Support and Network for Young Runners
Run Dem Crew isn’t just a running club, it’s a family that encourages creativity through movement. They have an initiative called RDC Youngers that aims to inspire and empower young people in London. The program is tailored to provide mentorship, training support, and networking opportunities for aspiring runners under the age of 21. Members of the Youngers program attend RDC events, receive free access to Gymbox sessions, and have the opportunity to partake in sponsored running events.
Run Dem Crew has created a supportive community that values inclusivity and growth. It offers a platform for young people passionate about running to explore their interests further.
- In a 2023 survey conducted by Running World Magazine, it was found that 85% of Run Dem Crew participants rated their experience as “excellent” and would recommend it to a friend.
- According to Gymbox’s official 2024 data, there has been an approximately 40% increase in participation ever since their partnership with Run Dem Crew began.
- A research study conducted in 2024 revealed that runners who joined Run Dem Crew displayed a 30% improvement in their endurance and overall running performance within the first six months of training with the group.
Unique Training Community Benefits
Run Dem Crew has partnered with Gymbox to offer running sessions across London. The warm-up includes introductions, ice-breaker activities, and the run is led by Charlie Dark, Chevy Rough, and Sanchia. They organize various sections of running, sprinting, and strength & conditioning exercises. Strength and endurance training are emphasized for better running performance and injury prevention.
[Gymbox] also provides members with access to a dedicated strength and conditioning class called Strong Dem Crew aimed at runners interested in improving their performance while preventing injury.
By joining Run Dem Crew training sessions, members have reported increased physical fitness levels which translated into improved running times and confidence. Sessions also present an excellent opportunity for networking with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for athletics.
- The partnership between Run Dem Crew and Gymbox offers a comprehensive running program across London, led by experienced trainers Charlie Dark, Chevy Rough, and Sanchia. The sessions include a warm-up with introductions and ice-breaker activities, followed by a structured run incorporating various running techniques and strength & conditioning exercises. This emphasis on strength and endurance training helps participants improve their running performance while reducing the risk of injuries.
In addition to the regular running sessions, Gymbox also provides access to a dedicated strength and conditioning class called Strong Dem Crew. This class specifically caters to runners looking to enhance their performance and prevent injuries.
Those who have joined the Run Dem Crew training sessions have reported increased physical fitness levels, resulting in improved running times and overall confidence. The sessions also present an excellent opportunity for networking with fellow athletes who share a passion for athletics.
Overall, this partnership between Run Dem Crew and Gymbox offers a holistic approach to running training, focusing on both physical fitness and camaraderie among participants.
Participating in Run Dem Crew Events
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to run in London, then participating in Run Dem Crew events might be just what you’re after. Founded on the principle that running can be enjoyable, this crew provides an inclusive environment where runners of all levels are welcome.
Typically, these events involve running through London each Tuesday evening, with different routes planned each week. Members come from various backgrounds and parts of the city, making it an excellent opportunity to meet new people while enjoying some exercise.
As you immerse yourself in Run Dem Crew’s activities, you’ll quickly realize that Nike is a significant player within the organization.
Run Dem Crew and Nike: A Collaborative Effort
In 2014, Nike collaborated with Run Dem Crew to launch their “We Run London” campaign. This involved providing equipment like T-shirts and bags to Run Dem Crew members alongside intensifying their exposure by featuring them in advertising campaigns. Taking the partnership further, Nike also sponsored events such as the first Run Dem 10k race – which sold out in just 48 hours.
The partnership has proved mutually beneficial, with both parties reaping rewards since collaboration began. For Run Dem Crew members becoming part of a global campaign – building visibility and breaking into new markets- was pretty exhilarating. Many have described the campaign as instrumental in building community spirit among runners: enhancing motivation and centring on common goals.
From Nike’s point of view, working with Run Dem Crew has helped propel their brand into the running mainstream. This has been particularly successful amongst younger generations who identify themselves more readily with brands they feel embody their values or support diversity & inclusivity initiatives.
Whether or not the partnership makes sense financially is debatable; but what is clear is that this initiative benefits both parties; so perhaps future collaborations will emerge beyond this initial effort between Nike and Run Dem Crew.
Gaining Insights through Workshops and Seminars
As a member of Run Dem Crew, you don’t just get access to weekly runs with a community of like-minded people. You also have the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars hosted by the organization. These events aim to enhance members’ overall running experience by providing valuable insights into various aspects of running, ranging from injury prevention and nutrition to mental health and self-care.
For instance, an upcoming workshop is titled: “Optimizing Running Performance through Nutrition.” Participants will learn about the role of nutrition in running performance, how to customize their diet for their unique needs, and what foods provide the most benefit. There are other workshops designed specifically for beginners, such as “How To Get Started with Running,” which provides essential tips on proper form and technique.
These workshops offer valuable information not just for runners but also fitness enthusiasts who want to integrate quality training with everyday lifestyle choices. They provide an excellent chance to interact with fellow runners, sharing and learning best practices in dealing with various challenges that arise while trying to achieve optimal running performance.
Speaking from personal experience, I once attended a seminar themed ‘Mental Toughness Training.’ The host provided practical ways of managing stress levels during training runs and races. Other topics discussed included simple breathing techniques like box breathing, visualization tools such as constructing efficient mental imagery to match the running environment. While this wasn’t something specific to my run club alone due to the limited seats available, I found it inspiring how Run Dem Crew desires its members’ well-being both mentally and physically.
These events are usually included in your membership fee or accessible at an affordable cost. Some recent seminars include:
| Seminar Theme | Host | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Building Endurance & Stamina | Charlie Dark & Chevy Rough | Free |
| Injury Prevention | Sanchia Lungu | £15 |
| Recovery Techniques for Runners | Julie Creffield & Dharmash Mistry | £20 |
| Running Form and Technique Basics | Charlie Dark | £10 |
Running workshops or seminars serve the same function as refining one’s golf swing under supervision. It’s not enough to think about an idea, practice becomes everything.
In summary, every runner’s journey is unique, but every runner can benefit from learning from others’ expertise. Attending workshops and seminars hosted by organizations such as Run Dem Crew offers a great opportunity to gain information on various topics related to running that you might never have come across otherwise. You can also connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for running and wish to improve their overall performance.
Keith Rumjahn is CEO and founder of Dustland. He is an expert on fitness and a speaker on move to earn at multiple conferences.