Why this one made the list
Cultural institution: pre-run circle, post-run hang, alumni network of writers, DJs, creatives — one of London's original named crews. Founded 2007 by Charlie Dark, meets Lululemon Spitalfields Market Tuesday evenings.
Practical
- Postcode
- E1
- Website
- https://rundemcrew.com
What you'd want to know
Run Dem Crew meets every Tuesday evening at the Lululemon store on Brushfield Street, Spitalfields Market — the studio at the back of the retail space, fronted onto the market's Victorian iron-and-glass canopy. Several hundred runners gather inside the warm-lit studio before heading out; the open shopfront spills onto the cobbled market apron with people in technical kit stretching against the railings. The pre-run circle happens in the centre of the studio under track lighting, with Charlie Dark or a coach addressing the group. Out on the run, the crew threads through Spitalfields, Brick Lane, Shoreditch and the City in tight pace packs, then returns to the same studio for water, conversation and the post-run hang. The market and surrounding streets are the route.
Overheard
- tuesday evening at lululemon spitalfields. arrive 6:45 for a 7pm start. don't be late — the pace groups split fast and the pack moves.
- you don't have to be a runner. the phrase is "a club for people who don't consider themselves runners" — it's the actual entry point.
- pace groups split out by pace not ability — ask at the pre-run circle which group is yours. they'll point you.
- stay for the post-run hang. that's where the community lives. the runners who skip it never quite become regulars.
- founded 2007 by charlie dark. it's older than most london run crews and the alumni network is the reason people stay.