Following a presentation at CWC last academic year from Ellie Wood, Director for Bring the Change, Sports Science student Stephen Gavin signed up for the Run Dem Crew running club. Since then he has learnt to swim thanks to Swim Dem Crew, completed triathlons and, more recently, travelled to Denmark to take part in a half marathon. The BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science student has always had an interest in sport, but admits since joining the crew his fitness level is at its highest thanks to the encouragement and support he receives from those he runs alongside.

"Run Dem Crew is for any level and speed and they’re all very positive people who just want to encourage you to participate, have fun, meet new people and socialise," said Stephen. "We meet on Tuesday evenings in Shoreditch and run all over London for usually about 10k."

Alongside his running on Tuesdays with Run Dem Crew, Stephen also attends Track Mafia on Thursday evenings at Paddington Green Recreation Ground which helped him build up speed ready for the half marathon in Copenhagen.

"We flew to Copenhagen for a few days to enjoy a mini holiday before completing the half marathon. I completed it in 1.41 which I was really happy about. I had started a bit too fast with the 1.35 group, and by 13k my legs began to hurt – that was when I slowed down and started running with another member of RDC, Kai (Wright). We helped to motivate each other and as a result crossed the finish line at the same time, with Kai beating his best time by 10 minutes."

Students interested in finding out more about Run Dem Crew can visit their website for further information: http://www.rundemcrew.com/