EARLY BIRD
RUN CREW

01
ABOUT

BORN from a passion to improve mental and physical health we use the power of human connection to make positive changes to our lives forever. We don’t always run together but we never run alone.

WE ARE THE EARLY BIRD RUN CREW

02
CALM

EBRC is a Proud CALM Collective

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Suicide rates are rising with 18 people a day taking their lives and right now the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. This has to change.

We believe that community based groups like ours can help lower these statistics. As a society we are losing our sense of community, EBRC is a simple way to reconnect both physically and mentally.

Our vision is to grow EBRC as BIG as we can, to help as many people as possible set up run crews across the country and feel the powerful benefits we see everyday.

Right now it feels like society is so disconnected, many of us trapped by stress and hectic lives. EBRC offers such a simple, powerful way to reconnect with people and use the scientifically proven power of running to boost our mental & physical health. The huge power of community is real and the popularity of EBRC is evidence of this.”
- SIMON GUNNING, CALM CEO
03
WHEN + WHY

EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING.
6:00 + 6:30
5 DAYS A WEEK.

This might seem bonkers early but we’ve found it really works, giving you the best possible start to the day and removing potential life barriers that get in the way later on.

EBRC exists to connect people together, supporting each other side by side making us all happier and stronger individuals.

On top of all this there’s all the key science from the boffins:

SLEEP

Running in the morning helps boost melatonin levels essential for better quality of sleep. Better quality of sleep has been shown to be vital to helping maintain good mental health.

REDUCE STRESS

Running floods our bodies with hormones like norepinephrine and dopamine, helping reduce the stress hormone cortisol, giving us a more positive mood and even boost concentration levels.

BOOSTS METABOLISM

Running stimulates your metabolism, helping burn calories and can even help suppress your appetite after your run, and shown to be especially beneficial first thing in the morning.

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Running releases various key endorphins, ‘happy chemicals’ which create feelings of happiness and euphoria, and also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, a key factor in maintaining good mental health and reducing anxiety.

BRAIN MEMORY

Studies show that aerobic exercise can create new brain cells (neurogenesis) and improve overall brain performance. Running can increase levels of a brain-derived protein (known as BDNF) in the body, which helps with decision making, higher thinking and learning.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Running is great for so many parts of our body, from our heart, to the brain and the immune system. Running restores elasticity to arteries making them behave younger, keeps the mind agile having to make decisions where feet are landing and helps boosts the immune system.

HELPS SELF-ESTEEM

Improving fitness has been shown to boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image. Regardless of weight, size, gender or age, exercise can quickly elevate our perception of attractiveness. If you as an individual feel content within yourself, it will make you feel happy.

01/8
04
CREW VALUES

HELLO!

We say a big hello to any new runners (and EXISTING ones too!). It is really important that everyone feels welcome at #EBRC so please take a moment to LOOK OUT for new runners and welcome them to the crew.

YOU’LL NEVER
BE LAST

There’s nothing worse than being stuck at the back, unless you want to be there. Each day we choose someone different to be our back runner champion.

SAFETY FIRST

We are responsible for our own safety. We run in all weathers but we dress appropriately for what mother nature decides to throw at us, which on dark mornings should include the appropriate hi-vis clothing and head torch as it could be dark. We never cancel due to bad weather so it’s up to you to come in your best battle gear!

EYES TO
STAY ALIVE

We take extra care at road crossings and look out for each other. Routes could have several road crossings. Stop at each crossing, look both ways and check again.

GLORY GLORY

We cheer runners back in, we totally realise some people have to rush off to work, but if you have the time please hang around and clap runners behind you in. It makes you and them feel all buzzy and chuffed, hopefully helping them come back again.

SMILES FOR
MILES

This is our most important rule and really makes people feel welcome. We also make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, please be mindful of this and keep an eye out for other crew members.

SNAP!

We take a group picture before every run which goes on our social media, this is how we encourage new members to come down AND it reminds the ones still in bed what they are missing! Of course if you don’t want to be in the photo just let us know.

IT’S GOOD
TO TALK

At any point if you want to talk to an EBRC leader we are there to listen, to help you the best we can, and signpost you to other services if needed. EBRC run leaders are MHFA trained and CALM runs a brilliant helpline seven days a week.

CREW
VALUES

05
FIND A CREW

JOIN A CREW,
CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

We currently have 2 crews. One in Harrogate & one in Knaresborough.

Harrogate – Meets at 6 & 6:30 each weekday morning at the Cenotaph in Harrogate. Facebook Group

Knaresborough – Meets at 6:30 each weekday morning at the Market Cross in Knaresborough. Facebook Group

EBRC is and always will be completely free, ran by the community for the community.

06
START A CREW

START SOMETHING SPECIAL.

We are on the lookout for amazing people to set up EBRC in their local communities, click the link to get in touch.

Contact Us
07
What People Say

“EBRC has helped me to get my running mojo back, introduced me to some amazing people and I’ve found a new love for 6am! It’s changed my routine completely and there’s no better way to start the day!”

SUSANA SHAW

“BROKE my personnel best for 5k on Friday! My first time with the crew, good bunch of people.”

ARTAN NEZIRI

“It's a must for any runner of any standard just to get up and out the house before the family breakfast routine! Help me EBRC through the darker autumn/ winter runs.”

DAVID M HALLADAY

“I just love it, everyone is so supportive and friendly, the fact you can run 5 k before work, school drop offs is perfect ! And that I’m always last and everyone waits for us at the end is so supportive.”

SARA LUNN

“The group is amazing! The fact that I can bring my dog along for the run is just the best! Everyone is so welcoming and no matter how fast or slow, we all feel part of the team.”

LORNA MARIA HODGKISS

“It’s been a great way to get me out of bed earlier in the morning and running with a fantastic bunch of people."

PATRICK DUNLOP
08
MERCH

BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY.
GET THE MERCH.