Track Mafia: The Search for M.A.D.N.E.S.S. on the London Track

In the heart of London, a running revolution was sparked by a simple need. As the city's running scene grew, a group of friends from the renowned Run Dem Crew community saw the need for a place where times could be measured, repeated, and improved in a controlled environment. From this, Track Mafia was created. Led by the charismatic Cory (also known as Bit Beefy), along with co-founders Jules and Jeggi, they aimed to change how everyday people view the track, speed, and the discomfort that comes with getting faster.

The philosophy of Track Mafia is a powerful and unique approach to speed work. They are "like-minded souls in search of M.A.D.N.E.S.S.," an acronym that stands for **Motivation Attributed (to a) Desire (and) Need (to) Explore Super Speeds.** Their process is guided by four simple but impactful words: **Build. Develop. Survive. Own It!** The founders aimed to create a safe space to explore running on their terms, a place to grow and get stronger. They were honest from the start that getting faster would be uncomfortable, but they promised to support their members every step of the way.

The community of Track Mafia is a "pantheon of PBs and BFFs"—a place where personal bests and lifelong friends are made. They see themselves as a family rather than just club members, a motivated yet relaxed group of young, diverse, and talented runners. Their focus on inclusivity is key; they make sure everyone who joins their sessions is represented in their images and stories, helping everyone feel welcome.

### Thursdays at the Track

The culture of Track Mafia comes alive every Thursday evening, rain, hail, or shine. At 6:30 p.m., a diverse group of runners gathers at the **Paddington Recreation Ground** for a session of consistent, tough, and enjoyable training. The workouts are well-organized and challenging, typically including a warm-up, drills focused on strength, and a main set of whistle intervals and repeats designed to push runners to their limits in a supportive and energetic environment.

Track Mafia offers a simple yet powerful invitation to everyone: #justshowup. Their sessions are free and welcome all types, from runners of different professions and backgrounds to those with various abilities. This open-door policy and sense of inclusivity keep members coming back, dressed in their signature black gear, week after week.

### The London Running Scene

As a crew born from pioneers, Track Mafia is a key part of London's world-famous running scene. They share a history with their "parent crew," the legendary **Run Dem Crew**. They also share the city's streets and tracks with other influential groups like the high-energy **Rep Runners** and the East London-based **Track East**. This dense network of crews makes London a genuine global hotspot for the running movement.

The city of London is an energetic and lively playground for runners. From my current spot in Cape Town, the thought of its historic streets is motivating. The city's mix of iconic landmarks, green parks, and gritty urban vibe offers the perfect setting for a team as dynamic as Track Mafia. The top racing events, like the **TCS London Marathon** and **The Big Half**, are major highlights for the thousands of dedicated runners in the city.