Ghetto Run Crew: Respect, Transformation, and Occupying the Streets of Rio
Crew at a Glance Ghetto Run Crew is a pioneering running community from the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro that has been occupying the streets through sport since 2013. Born from a women's empowerment initiative, the crew has since evolved into a diverse collective united by the core pillars of respect and transformation. They believe running is a powerful tool for positive change in both individuals and their urban environment. With an "underground" mark and a completely open invitation, they host bi-weekly runs that are free and accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or performance level.
Introduction
In 2013, a movement was born on the streets of Rio de Janeiro's North Zone. It began as Ghetto Running Girls, a crew with a clear and powerful aim: to create a space where women from their neighborhoods could open their minds, recognize their influence, and share their stories through the simple act of running. This initiative was about more than just fitness; it was about occupying public space and fostering awareness. As the group's energy and hype grew, it naturally attracted people from different genders and backgrounds, prompting the evolution into the inclusive and dynamic Ghetto Run Crew that exists today.Philosophy & Founders
The philosophy of Ghetto Run Crew is built on the foundational pillars of respect and transformation. The crew's founders envision running as the quickest way to identify possibilities for positive change, not only for individuals but also for the urban spaces they inhabit. For them, the connection with running goes beyond the physical act; it results from being on the street and engaging with their environment and each other. They believe that to transform yourself and to respect others, all you need is the will.Community & Collaboration
Ghetto Run Crew is a hub for the exchange of experiences and the interrelation of diverse subcultures. By bringing people together from all walks of life, they actively preserve and promote values like love for the sport, for others, and for the place they live. Their growth from a women-centric group into a mixed-gender crew is a testament to their success in creating a welcoming and energized community. This organic expansion has solidified their role as a social and cultural force in their part of the city.Culture & Activities
The culture of the crew is proudly "underground." They define themselves as free runners, operating outside of formal structures and focused on the authentic experience of running through the city. Their activities center around two weekly runs that serve as their main points of connection. While their official meeting point is the Olympic Stadium, they maintain a nomadic presence throughout the neighborhoods of the North Zone. Their consistent schedule provides reliable touchpoints for the community to gather.Invitation
The invitation to run with Ghetto Run Crew is as open and straightforward as it gets: just come by. There is no need to sign up, no performance standards to meet, and you don't even need to have run a single mile in your life. Their doors are open to anyone who wants to join, reflecting their core belief in accessibility and removing all barriers to entry. The crew meets on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. in Santo Cristo and on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. at the Olympic Stadium Nilton Santos (Engenhão).Local Crews in Rio de Janeiro As pioneers, Ghetto Run Crew is part of a vibrant and diverse running landscape in Rio de Janeiro. The city is home to numerous other "crews de corrida," each with its own unique identity. From groups that focus on the scenic beachside paths of the South Zone to others that train for high-level performance, the running scene offers a community for every type of athlete, all contributing to a rich and interconnected athletic culture.
