Boogie Down Bronx Runners: All for Their Borough
A few years ago, New York City's run crew culture was exploding, with groups meeting in nearly every borough—except one. Two runners, Lenny and Jean Paul, noticed this gap and decided it was time to bring the movement home. They knew the challenge was significant, as the Bronx at the time faced considerable public health challenges, but armed with the belief that running could change lives, they picked a date, created a name that celebrated their home, and the Boogie Down Bronx Runners was born.
The philosophy of the Boogie Down Bronx Runners is rooted in perseverance and a fierce love for their community. The journey began humbly; only one other runner showed up to join founders Lenny and Jean Paul for their first run, and attendance remained small for weeks. But they refused to be discouraged. They stuck with it, week in and week out, slowly and steadily building the strong, inspiring, and non-judgmental community they had envisioned. Their mission was, and remains, to promote wellness and inspire people of all abilities to discover the transformative power of running.
From that initial trio, the Boogie Down Bronx Runners have evolved into a thriving community that can attract nearly 40 runners to its weekly meetups. They have become a collective of everyday Bronx residents who support and motivate one another. Their impact has also gone global, with crew members now proudly representing the Bronx at races worldwide, showcasing the borough's strength and spirit on an international stage.
The culture of the Boogie Down Bronx Runners is one of welcome, grit, and borough pride. Their activities are centered around consistent weekly runs that provide a supportive and motivating environment for everyone. These runs are the heartbeat of the crew, a place where new friendships are formed and personal goals are achieved. The crew's energy is infectious, turning the streets of the Bronx into a moving celebration of health, community, and perseverance.
With a warm and informal spirit, the Boogie Down Bronx Runners extend an open invitation to all. Their message is simple: "Come catch some of these BX miles." Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your journey, you are welcome to join their community. For the most up-to-date information on their weekly runs, we encourage all to connect with them via their official social media channels.
The Boogie Down Bronx Runners filled a crucial gap, and they are now a key part of New York City's incredibly diverse running ecosystem. The city is a global hub for running crews, with groups in every borough. This includes the community-focused Harlem Run in Upper Manhattan, the legendary BridgeRunners who own the night, the women's collective Girls Run NYC in Brooklyn, and the high-performance Black Roses NYC. Together, these crews form a vibrant network that offers a running experience for every type of athlete.
The Bronx, NYC's northernmost borough, has a rich and globally influential cultural history as the birthplace of hip hop. It is a place of incredible resilience and community pride. While it has faced public health challenges, it is also home to beautiful, expansive green spaces that make it a fantastic, and often underrated, place for running.
The Boogie Down Bronx Runners have a wealth of iconic routes to explore in their home borough. A favorite among many NYC runners is Van Cortlandt Park (VCP), which boasts a vast network of renowned cross-country trails and running paths. The city's largest park, Pelham Bay Park, offers miles of scenic waterfront and woodland running. For a more urban experience, a run down the historic Grand Concourse, with its beautiful Art Deco buildings, offers a unique architectural tour of the borough.
New York City hosts some of the most famous running events in the world, and the Bronx plays a pivotal role. A major highlight on the local calendar is the NYRR Bronx 10 Mile, a massive race that takes thousands of participants on a tour of the borough's landmarks, starting and finishing near Yankee Stadium. Of course, members are also a strong presence at the TCS New York City Marathon, which runs through all five boroughs, proudly representing the Bronx on the world's biggest running stage.
