People Of Bermondsey: Meet Louis, Founder of Bermondsey Street Runners

Running through Bermondsey isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the people. Bermondsey Street Runners is more than just a run club; it’s a movement bringing together locals of all levels to connect, sweat, and explore SE1 on foot. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just fancy a social jog followed by a coffee, this group welcomes everyone.

Can you introduce yourselves and share how Bermondsey Street Runners began? What inspired you to create this vibrant community?

My name is Louis, founder of Bermondsey Street Runners, a run club-turned-not-for-profit that delivers free opportunities for movement and social connection to the local community. We were built to instil a better sense of community in the South London area, trying to give people more than just their apartment and workplace. The French have a great saying, “metro, boulot, dodo,” which translates as getting the tube, working and sleeping…this is a life that so many people in big cities know. We wanted to make it somewhere where people would feel a sense of connection away from work and home, and what better way to foster that than with gentle exercise?

What does running mean to you personally?

I’ve been running for a few years now and it has become one of the loves of my life (and part of my personality as my friends will attest to). There is something special about this simple sport, away from the social connection side, that gets people hooked. It’s thinking time, it’s non-thinking time, it’s time for decompression, de-stressing, reflection, introspection, relaxation, and concentration…it means different things to everyone but I think the element that links everyone’s love for it is we feel overall more peaceful and centred having run on any given day.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from one of your runs that highlights your ethos of inclusivity and connection?

The most telling sign of the ethos built-in BSR is the feedback we get from attendees. We often hear that our community is friendly, welcoming, inclusive and full of people who want to be kind, make people feel heard and seen, engage with their local area and generally bring positive vibes to the rest of the group. 

How has Bermondsey Street Runners evolved since its inception, and what milestones are you particularly proud of?

We have moved away from just running, and we now deliver a variety of free wellbeing programmes to the community: running, yoga, trail running/hiking, cycling, etc, plus social events. We’ve grown massively in size, where we used to have 10-15 people for our weekly 5k, we now have 70. I’m proud of registering as a CIC and also proud of rolling out an ambassador programme that allowed an amazing group of people to apply and become volunteers that help run BSR events…it’s great that BSR is giving people the opportunity to give back to their community in a more official capacity.

How do you keep the energy high and ensure everyone feels included, regardless of their fitness level?

The ethos of BSR has been inclusivity, positivity and community since we launched. Once people get a sense of these traits after turning up consistently, it spreads organically throughout the club, and each member then embodies this ethos, meaning that there is an omnipresent sense of welcome and inclusion. We have three pace groups on our Friday run to ensure as many people as possible have a pace that suits them, on Tuesdays we launched ‘Start Line’ an entry-level running club (one of the only ones in London) that has running and walking options, and our yoga and cycling sessions are built from beginner level up so they are accessible to everyone.

What role do you think local businesses play in fostering community spirit among runners?

Local businesses play a key role in fostering community spirit among runners by providing essential support, resources, and spaces where connections can flourish. Through sponsorships, they help sustain community clubs like ours, enabling free or low-cost activities that make wellness accessible to more people. By offering perks or hosting post-run meet-ups, businesses give runners a place to socialise and unwind, strengthening the sense of belonging within the community. Their involvement goes beyond transactions—it’s about creating an ecosystem of mutual support where businesses, runners, and the wider community all benefit and grow together.

As you transition and grow as a run club, what exciting plans do you have for community engagement and wellness programs?

The future looks exciting. In the immediate future, we have plans for a winter wellbeing event series that will include various indoor movement/social events (including some tailored for marginalised groups) to counteract the reduced levels of exercise and increased levels of isolation over winter. In the long term, we are looking to roll out more and more programmes to help different groups in society; family fitness, lunch/after school sessions, sessions for the visually impaired (two of us are trained guide runners), HIIT classes and also to branch out to other areas in London.

What advice would you give to those who are new to running and might hesitate to join a run club?

Once you find a club like BSR that is focused on wellbeing and social connection for EVERYONE, all you need to do is show up. It’s the kind of place where people will come up to you and introduce themselves if you’re by yourself, we want people to feel welcome and seen. If you’re new to running, our Tuesday evening entry-level event called Start Line is the place for you. 

What are your thoughts on the importance of community events for building connections among local residents?

Community events are essential for building local connections. They create shared experiences that bring people together in a natural, welcoming environment, helping to break down barriers and reduce isolation. These events give residents a chance to meet and get to know each other, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their community. Additionally, by encouraging participation in activities that prioritise wellbeing—like our runs, yoga sessions, and social gatherings—community events not only improve individual health but also strengthen the social fabric of the area.

If you could dream up the ultimate running event in Bermondsey, what would it look like?

The ultimate running event in Bermondsey would be a Bermondsey Street Festival Run, combining the excitement of a community race with the celebration of our vibrant neighbourhood. It would start with a 5k and 10k loop through iconic spots—Bermondsey Street, Tanner Street Park, and along the Thames Path—catering to all fitness levels with varying pace groups. Along the route, local businesses could set up interactive cheer stations offering water, snacks, and music to keep spirits high.

Post-run, we’d gather for a community celebration at our home cafe, Chapter 72, featuring live music, wellness workshops, and pop-ups from local businesses and fitness vendors. To wrap up, we’d have a group stretch and a chance for everyone to share their stories over coffee. This event would be about more than the run; it would bring people together, create lasting memories, and showcase the best of Bermondsey’s community spirit!

Talk To BSR

If any businesses reading this do want to get involved, please get in touch and send an email to louis@bermondseystreetrunners.com