In 2027, The National Running Show will mark its 10th anniversary and as part of the celebrations we are featuring an in-depth series with key brands - Miles & Milestones: 10 questions for running brand success.
“"Emancipated Run Crew has proudly been involved with The National Running Show since 2022. It is an important platform because it brings together every part of the running community under one roof...Events like this help inspire the next generation of runners and create meaningful connections across the industry." Trojan Gordon, Co-founder and Director, Emancipated Run Crew CIC
Emancipated Run Crew (ERC) was set up in 2019 by sisters Denise and Julia Stephenson and friend Trojan Gordon who were determined to challenge the lack of diversity in grassroots running by creating a virtual space where black and brown runners can support and encourage each other whatever our running goal.
In this Q&A, we interview Trojan Gordon, Co-founder and Director, Emancipated Run Crew CIC to delve deeper into the evolution and mission of the organisation.
1. When and where did the Emancipated Run Crew form?
Emancipated Run Crew (ERC) was established in London in 2019. As an award-winning England Athletics-affiliated club and a Community Interest Company, ERC was created to provide a welcoming and culturally relevant platform for individuals from Black and Brown communities to connect through running, walking, and physical activity.
At the time, we identified an underrepresentation of Black and Brown individuals in running and sought to address this disparity. Initially conceived as a small community initiative on WhatsApp in 2014, ERC has evolved into a thriving movement with members spanning the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, Africa and the Americas.
2. What are your main missions?
ERC mission is simple: to use movement as a tool for wellbeing, empowerment and community connection. We aim to break down barriers to participation, increase participation, improve physical and mental health, celebrate culture and heritage, and create programs where people feel seen, supported and inspired to achieve things they never thought possible.
3. How did you come up with the powerful name "Emancipated Run Crew"?
Our co-founder Jules Stephenson came up with our name. We wanted to have a name that captured our identity and mission. The word “Emancipated” represents freedom, liberation and self-determination. Running has the power to free people from limitations, whether those are physical, mental or societal.
We wanted a name that reflected the idea of people reclaiming their health, confidence and sense of belonging through movement. We wanted people to feel that they have a space to be able to Run Free and be their authentic self. It also honours the history and resilience of the communities we serve.
4. Why do you think competitive running has historically lacked diversity?
Historically, many people from underrepresented communities have not seen themselves reflected in running clubs, leadership positions, marketing campaigns or major events. There have also been barriers around access, affordability and a sense of belonging. The good news is that this is changing, thanks to grassroots organisations that are creating welcoming spaces, amplifying our voices and showing that running can be for everyone.
5. How many members are there in your community and how do you balance physical meetups with your massive virtual running community?
ERC has grown into a community of hundreds, with members engaging both in person and online. We have over 300 actual members. We also have over 3500 + followers on Instagram. We balance this by creating meaningful experiences in both spaces. Our weekly sessions, hikes, races and social events build face-to-face connections, while our digital platforms allow members from across the UK and internationally to stay connected, share achievements and support one another every day.
6. What is your top tip for a beginner runner preparing for their very first 5k or 10k?
Focus on consistency rather than speed. You don’t need to run every session fast. Build your confidence gradually, trust the process and remember that every runner started somewhere. The goal is simply to get to the start line feeling prepared and to the finish line feeling proud. It’s your race at your own pace!
7. What advice do you have for runners who feel they do not fit the "traditional runner" look?
Our motto is “Run Free”. We strongly believe that we need to create spaces that celebrate people to run with the body that they have. There is no such thing as a traditional runner’s body. If you run, you’re a runner. Running belongs to everyone regardless of age, size, ethnicity, pace or background. Some of the most inspiring runners in our community have challenged stereotypes simply by showing up and proving that movement is for all.
8. Do you feel major running event organisers are doing enough to improve event diversity? IF not, what further initiatives would you like to see?
Many organisers have made genuine progress, and that should be recognised. However, there is still work to do. We would like to see more diverse leadership, greater investment in grassroots organisations, targeted outreach in our communities, affordable entry opportunities and year-round engagement rather than diversity initiatives that only appear around major events.
We need to see the actual data (including racial diversity data) which should be collected on all participants to see and to enable meaningful measurable improvements. This would provide an informed starting point, which could help to identify where to focus on increasing participation from underrepresented groups. Representation matters, but meaningful participation and access matter even more.
9. What is the ultimate, non-negotiable track on the Emancipated Run Crew collective playlist?
Love Come Down - Evelyn Champagne King - Any tune will inspire an ERC Flash Mob Moment!
10. How long have you been involved with The National Running Show, and why do you think it is important?
ERC has proudly been involved with The National Running Show since 2022. It is an important platform because it brings together every part of the running community under one roof. It provides opportunities to share stories, learn from others, discover new products and initiatives, and most importantly, demonstrate that running is a sport and a community that should be accessible to everyone.
Events like this help inspire the next generation of runners and create meaningful connections across the industry. Once again it is important to have meaningful representation in spaces like the National Running Show.