Emancipated Run Crew (ERC) came to life when sisters Denise and Jules Stephenson, along with their friend Trojan Gordon, took a stand against what they saw as the lack of representation in running, whether that be on the streets, in running magazines or from sportswear companies. They decided to create a running club for people of all backgrounds and abilities, but particularly for ethnically diverse communities community.
“After taking part in races and training groups, I was personally despondent about the lack of representation of ethnically diverse runners,” says co-founder Denise. “Even in the running groups in central London, which is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, there was a lack of ethnically diverse people in these groups.
“Following on from a need to be seen as black runners, to inspire people to run and from our continued frustration of the lack of representation – after recording a podcast episode with our dear friend and fellow runner Trojan – we decided to set up Emancipated Run Crew.”