NBRO Running: The Rebellious, Stylish Heart of the Copenhagen Running Revolution
In the fall of 2010, the running scene in Copenhagen underwent a significant transformation. After a group of friends, led by Karl-Oskar Olsen (co-founder of the clothing label WoodWood), won the city's "Nike Run Your City" challenge, they were inspired by the experience. They decided to create their own running crew that would embody their urban style and a shared love for the sport. And thus, NBRO Running was born, a crew that would not only revolutionize their local scene but also become a key player on the global stage.
A Philosophy of Rebellious Style
The philosophy of NBRO Running was to challenge the norms and redefine what it meant to be a runner. With a rebellious spirit and distinctive style—often clad in their iconic black running apparel—they proved that you could be a serious athlete who also loves to party. This "run hard, party harder" ethos, combined with their deep roots in the creative culture of the Nørrebro district, captivated the city. They emerged at the same time as other pioneering crews, such as the Bridge Runners in New York and Run Dem Crew in London. Together, these groups connected to spark the "Bridge the Gap" movement, uniting urban running communities worldwide.
Over the course of more than a decade, the crew has evolved, with the leadership baton being passed from the original founders to a dedicated group of long-term members who ensure the crew's continuity and spirit remain as strong as ever. Their community is a remarkable and diverse melting pot where doctors, lawyers, car mechanics, architects, and students all run together. On the run, all other differences fade away, and a tight-knit family is forged through shared effort and mutual respect.
The Legendary Weekly Schedule
The culture of NBRO is legendary for its incredibly active and varied weekly schedule, with a run for every mood and goal, all starting from their headquarters at the picturesque lakeside coffee shop, Søpavillonen. The week kicks off with the high-intensity "Bloody Monday." Tuesdays offer two options: an "Early Bird"morning run with hills in Frederiksberg Have or a relaxed "Mellow Tuesday" recovery run in the evening. "Midweek Madness" on Wednesday is a pure speed session on the track where spikes and splits are mandatory. "Social Thursday" is a relaxed jog, while "Longshot Saturday" is for those tackling long distances in preparation for marathons, always ending with a well-deserved coffee or beer.
Pioneers in a Thriving Scene
As one of the world's most famous crews, NBRO is at the pinnacle of the Copenhagen running scene, but they share the city with a multitude of other vibrant groups. This includes the globally renowned Mikkeller Running Club, which brilliantly combines craft beer culture with social running. Newer crews, such as the stylish Norsa Club and the community-focused Ōhā Run Club, also add their own unique energy to the city's streets. The pioneering spirit of Copenhagen's crews has had a profound influence, inspiring the creation of other communities across Denmark, such as RUNAAR in Aarhus and the Odense Running Crew.
The city of Copenhagen is a haven for runners. The Danish capital is renowned for its stunning architecture, its network of canals, and its famously high quality of life. The city's running scene is characterized by its scenic routes, particularly the paths that circle the famous lakes of Copenhagen, a central hub for the entire community. Another favorite is Frederiksberg Have, a stunning park with beautiful gardens and gentle hills. The premier racing event is the Copenhagen Marathon, an iconic race that takes participants on a captivating journey through the city's most historic and beautiful landmarks.