Charlie Dark and his Run Dem Crew are reinventing what it means to be a Sports Junkie. Elite athletes jog side by side with musicians, Creatives and young people from inner city London – in a bid to get fit and belong to a supportive fitness movement.

 

After a rich musical career in 90s trip hop band Attica Blues – and an active member on the international spoken word scene, Charlie got into running and wanted to share his passion and create an environment for young people and runners alike. His ethos behind the concept of ‘crew’ and community in sports has been rolled out internationally with cities like NY, Rio and Shanghai taking the Run Dem Crew baton.

At Run Dem Crew there are no newbies, no iPods and the only personal best is your new mate running by your side. Every session starts with some group therapy; with new people introduced, buddied up and a warm up that shakes away the pains of the day. Charlie explains:

How did Run Dem Crew start?

I started running by myself and found it quite hard. I had to look at it in a different way so I started running with music very late at night by myself and basically, a few of my friends noticed a change in me and we set up the idea of a crew and started going out on runs together.

Have you always been into sport?

No, not at all. I was very sporty at school but I hadn’t done any exercise for about 15 years.

What’s the difference between a running crew and a running club?

My philosophy is at club people are running for themselves – they run to get it out the way. A crew looks forward to running because it’s a chance for them to come together and run for each other. My focus is with curating a community where once a week you get to be within a great group of people.

Over the last couple of years you’ve really focused on getting young people from inner city London running with ‘RDC Youngers’; how does RDCY help young people take control of their lives?

Following a running plan (such as a marathon) introduces structure to your life where maybe there has been no structure before. What we’re trying to do is train a group of young people who will grow up together and continue to work together as they get older. I still work with people who I went to school with in the 80s and the 90s. I find that young people now operate in isolation because of the Internet and social media.

Musicians and graphic designers – not just your traditional athletes – is there anyone that’s come through that has inspired you beyond belief?

As I always say to everyone it’s a privilege to stand in front of that many people on a regular basis and be in their company. Everyone who comes through the doors at Run Dem Crew is an inspiring person. There are some personal stories where people have overcome great difficulties, or there are people that are complete ‘non-runners’ like musician Ghostpoet. He came in as a non-runner and the level he is at now is amazing. It reminds you of the first year you run. The first year you start running is always the best year – every step you take is a personal best.

How do you think Run Dem Crew is helping change societies outlook towards health and exercise?

I think that we’re one of many organisations that are breaking down the mystery behind sports, fitness and being active. We’re taking away the fear. I think a lot of people don’t exercise because they’re scared and to be able to run is the most primal thing you have. When the day comes where you can’t actually move it’s quite a lonely place. We’re showing people that there is a safe and nurturing environment for people to explore fitness.

Run Dem Crew takes place every Tuesday in East London