Run, Party, Repeat: The NBRO Running crew

NBRO started out in 2010. Then they were Nørrebro Running. Now one of the most well-known run crews in the world, they are present in Toronto for this year’s Bridge the Gap. Co-founder Troels Frederiksen chats with us about NBRO and running culture in Denmark. Photos courtesy of NBRO Running. 

Canadian Running: Give us the history on how you came up with the idea for your crew. 

Troels Frederiksen: NBRO spawned from Nike’s “Take Copenhagen” challenge in 2010 where a group of 10 guys started running around the lakes of Nørrebro, Copenhagen to collect miles. From there we just decided to keep running because running together was something that we all enjoyed. For me personally, I had played semi professional basketball before so I was looking for that team atmosphere and NBRO was just that. Quickly the crew grew and went from Nørrebro Running to NBRO Running adding the motto and now famous hashtag #RunPartyRepeat to our DNA.

CR: Tell us about those early days.

TF: In the early days, we had one run a week and we made a lot of noise for a crew only 20 to 25 strong. We did everything different from what regular run crews were doing and our take on the sport helped uproot it from a quote unquote boring setting to a more vibrant and loud sport. We touched the running scene with our all black uniforms and ties to the fashion and nightlife scene. But of course with all things popular, the crew kept growing. Now, 200 to 250 runners that join us per week and 4,800 group members on Facebook and above 1,2000 on Instagram. I would say that now we work more in tune with the running scene of Copenhagen. And as much as we have influenced the culture, the culture has also rubbed of on NBRO and I think that’s great. We still just love running together and everyone is welcome to join us.

CR: If we were to join you for one of your runs, what scenery would we see in Copenhagen?

TF: We always meet at the lakes of Copenhagen. We would take you anywhere from sightseeing the likes of the Little Mermaid, downtown Copenhagen, to trails on the outskirts of the city. Since we are a city crew, we mostly run on asphalt but are lucky if we take a 21 to 30K route and find a little gravel.

CR: You have done a lot of travelling as a club. Any favourites?

TF: Part of the NBRO profile is the fact that we participate in Bridge the Gap events with running clubs like ours all over the world. These events started in Berlin in 2012 and moved on from there to Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, Paris, New York, Singapore and now Toronto, and are all build up around an existing race. It’s hard to name a favorite, I loved every single event I have attended.

CR: Tell us about your winter running conditions in the city. You have harsh winters just like us.

TF: Winters here can be real rough but at the same time, this is where you see who really loves running. The people who show up when there is so much snow that you can’t see the road are the ones that are true NBRO regulars.

CR: Your club is about running but also about socializing. Talk to us about that social element.

People will always be met with open arms and we will make sure that no one is left behind. Usually we talk and interact through every step of the run. If you’re interested, most times a few runners will also be willing to show you a bit of Copenhagen post running.