The Legacy of Run Brum Crew: The Pioneers Who Brought the Crew Movement to Birmingham
In March 2019, inspired by the energy of run crews in cities all over the world, a new urban running community was founded in central Birmingham. Run Brum Crew, established by the passionate Mike Parker, was created to be something different from a typical running club. They set out to build a community where the physical, mental, and social benefits of running were all celebrated equally. Although they are no longer running, the movement they started and the inclusive spirit they fostered left a lasting mark on their city.
A Philosophy of Community First
The philosophy of Run Brum Crew was to put community at the very heart of everything they did. Founder Mike Parker—an England Athletics licensed Run Leader, 10-time marathoner, and winner of the prestigious "Birmingham Young Professional of the Year" award in 2017—created a crew where a PB was not the sole aim. Their focus was on looking out for one another, hanging back for fellow runners when necessary, and ensuring everyone made it back to the post-run "Crew Social" together. This created a welcoming and pressure-free environment for all.
The culture of Run Brum Crew was both versatile and social, perfectly captured by their motto: "We run the streets. We run track. #WeRunCrew." Their main activity was a free, weekly crew run that started from the iconic Victoria Square in front of the Birmingham Council House. These runs, led by their licensed Run Leaders, brought a level of safety and structure to the fun, social running model, making them a truly unique presence in the city.
While Run Brum Crew is no longer active, their legacy is defined by their open and welcoming invitation. Their weekly crew run was always free to everyone, with the simple request to "turn up ready to run however you feel comfortable." This easy, no-barrier approach, combined with the assurance of trained leaders, helped to grow the running community in the city and inspired many to join the movement.
The Birmingham Running Scene
As the first of its kind with licensed leaders, Run Brum Crew helped to pioneer the modern crew scene in Birmingham. The city is now home to other vibrant groups, including the fun-loving FUN NOT FAST crew, which was founded in 2020 and focuses on easy running, community, and coffee. Together, these groups have helped to build a rich and diverse running culture in the UK's second city.
The city of Birmingham is a major, multicultural hub in the West Midlands of England. Known for its history as a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, its identity is famously defined by its extensive canal network, which is said to have more miles of canals than Venice. This unique urban landscape provides a fantastic and interesting backdrop for runners to explore.
From their central meeting point at Victoria Square, the crew's runs would have explored the heart of Birmingham. Routes likely followed the scenic paths of the city's famous canal system, wound through the modern city center, and passed by key landmarks. The local running calendar is highlighted by major events that bring the entire city together. The premier race is the Great Birmingham Run, a huge half-marathon that takes participants on a tour of the city. The city also hosts the Birmingham Marathon as part of the same festival, providing a full-distance challenge for the region's dedicated runners.
