Run_Dem_Crew
Run Dem Crew
London based running crew
Run Dem Crew is a London based running crew founded in 2007[1] by DJ, poet and youth mentor Charlie Dark[2] as “a running club for people who don’t consider themselves runners”.[3] Their name is derived from the reggae group Scare Dem Crew.[4] The crew originated with Dark and his mates running around east London but has since grown to several hundred people who meet every Tuesday.[3] As a group they choose to differentiate themselves from a traditional running club as they are not registered with England Athletics and the emphasis is on family and community.[5] Run Dem Crew are committed to change and work closely with young people across London providing mentoring and advice along with the opportunity to explore London in a safe, unique, positive and supportive environment.[6] The crew are currently based at Brixton Street Gym.[7]
Traditionally the group ran in speed groups such as Tortoises, Greyhounds, Hares, Cheetahs and Elites.[8] Dark has recently foregone this method to focus on community culture at Brixton Street Gym.
Charlie Dark is also a Lululemon Global Running Ambassador,[9] and has received a Points of Light award from the UK prime minister Theresa May for his dedication to establishing the alternative running community.[10]