RUNDISTRIKT: Building Community One Step at a Time in North Vancouver

RUNDISTRIKT was a small but vibrant running crew based in Vancouver, Canada, founded in October 2017. The crew’s origins traced back to Mel, who had recently moved to North Vancouver and sought ways to connect with people in the growing neighbourhood of Lower Lonsdale. Finding no existing run clubs in the area, Mel approached the owner of The Distrikt, a local boutique fitness studio where she worked. Through this connection, Jian introduced her to Rex, an old friend who had just opened Rexford the Barbershop nearby. This meeting sparked an immediate bond, and together they launched RUNDISTRIKT just days later, establishing a grassroots running community anchored by local roots.

Committed To Togetherness And Fun At the heart of RUNDISTRIKT was the motto “No Run Left Behind.” This guiding principle reflected their inclusive spirit, emphasizing that runs were about staying together and supporting each other rather than chasing speed. Their mission focused on fostering a welcoming atmosphere where new friendships could flourish. RUNDISTRIKT was more than just a running group; it was a place for locals to come together, share experiences, and enjoy North Vancouver’s emerging cultural scene. Supporting local running events and initiatives was also central, reinforcing the crew’s dedication to community engagement.

Where Running Meets Friendship Though modest in size with around 20 members, RUNDISTRIKT built a close-knit, diverse group of runners from various backgrounds. The crew’s vibe was casual and friendly, reflecting the approachable nature of its founders and members. This was a space where experienced runners and newcomers alike felt comfortable, united by their love of running and the desire to meet new people. The shared headquarters at Rexford the Barbershop became a hub for socializing and planning, strengthening bonds beyond the pavement.

A Monthly Run To Remember RUNDISTRIKT’s signature event was the monthly #RUN2BEERE, a run to Beere Brewing, a local craft brewery in North Vancouver. These outings combined exercise and socializing, celebrating the neighbourhood’s emerging food and drink culture. While their regular runs stayed informal and unhurried, the crew maintained a group pace to ensure nobody got left behind, embodying their motto in every outing. Though detailed schedules are not documented, their runs typically started at Rexford the Barbershop and catered to a variety of paces and distances.

An Open Invitation To All While RUNDISTRIKT has since disbanded, its welcoming nature during its active years was clear. Anyone interested in joining could simply show up at their meeting spot or reach out through the crew’s social connections. The emphasis was always on inclusivity, creating an environment where runners of all abilities felt at home. Mel, Jian, and Rex’s collaborative effort demonstrated how running can spark new communities, even in a small but rapidly evolving cityscape.

Embedded In Vancouver’s Running Fabric RUNDISTRIKT existed within a broader vibrant running scene in Vancouver, supporting local races and initiatives across North Vancouver and the city proper. Their participation helped shine a light on the emerging Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood, encouraging more active lifestyles and community involvement. Though a smaller crew, their impact was felt through consistent support of local efforts and by cultivating a new generation of runners connected by shared experiences.

North Vancouver’s Urban Spirit And Nature North Vancouver, known for its balance of urban life and natural beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for RUNDISTRIKT’s runs. The area’s mix of waterfront paths, forested trails, and lively neighbourhoods offered diverse and scenic routes that appealed to runners looking for both challenge and community. The crew’s choice to anchor in Lower Lonsdale highlighted the neighbourhood’s transformation into a vibrant, inclusive community.

Running Through Neighbourhood Gems Typical routes taken by the crew often wound through Lower Lonsdale, along the scenic Spirit Trail by the waterfront, and through nearby parks that showcased the region’s lush environment. Their runs culminated frequently at Beere Brewing, tying physical activity with social enjoyment in a local setting. These familiar landmarks created a sense of place and belonging, strengthening ties between the crew and their city.

Supporting Local Events And Growth Throughout their existence, RUNDISTRIKT backed numerous local races and running initiatives in the Vancouver area, contributing to a growing culture of community fitness and connection. Their monthly social runs and visible presence in the local running scene helped promote active lifestyles and strengthened the ties between runners and the places they loved. Although no longer active, the legacy of RUNDISTRIKT remains a testament to the power of running to bring people together in unexpected neighbourhoods.