THEY SEEM THE ANTITHESIS OF TRADITIONAL RUNNING CLUBS. IMPOSTERS - REBELS, even - that the older generation glare at as they stride through the inner city, around the suburbs, and on the mountains. But running crews are officially a thing. And in South Africa, they're growing rapidly in popularity, as more and more runners find a home: with like-minded people and no formal restrictions to consider.
THE BEGINNING OF A SOCIAL MOVEMENT
The first group widely recognized as a running crew was formed by Mike Saes in New York, back in 2004.
Initially, it was a solo weekly run, born of the need to get to the other side of the city in a hurry. But Saes started inviting friends to run with him. That weekly run became an unofficial 'club' of runners, with no route and no agenda other than to run and to explore the inner city.
All they needed was a name. The formation of the Bridge Runners marked the start of a social movement that has given rise to urban running crews across the world.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CREW AND A CLUB?
At the core of it, a running club and a running crew are quite similar: a group of people, getting together to run. But the two bring different flavours to the running-group mixing pot.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.