Meet the run crew behind your Big Half medal

Saheed Mustapha was born in Deptford, around the 11-mile mark to be precise. In fact, he can see the block of flats where he grew up from the course.

For Saheed, who will line up on the Start Line for the seventh time this September, the Big Half holds a special place in his heart.

"South London has always been home," he said. "Some of it has changed over the years, but it's still the same at heart, and the energy from the crowds is very special."

Designer Matt Keilty worked alongside REP members Jack Palaian, Tayla East, Nutnapol Sukontasingh and Bod Brewster to create a medal and T-shirt that reflect the values of the event and their run crew.

"I don't cry much, but it's going to be a euphoric moment," said Saheed. "When we started REP, I never thought this far ahead. To see people wearing a medal and T-shirt featuring something we've helped create is going to be incredible. It's a proper pinch-me moment."

REP Runners was founded in 2017 by Saheed and Richard Lilley. They meet every Tuesday at Work.Life Soho in central London, and the crew is built around its members, not performance.

"My job is to make sure everyone feels part of the community," he said. "Whether someone has been here for nine years or nine minutes, they should feel equally appreciated."

That philosophy can be seen in everything from welcoming first-timers to celebrating race achievements every Tuesday evening.

During the design process, the group focused on creating something that celebrated every runner, regardless of pace or experience.

"The biggest thing we wanted to get across was that REP is inclusive," said Saheed. "Whether you run a one-hour half marathon or a three-hour half marathon, everyone supports each other."

That ethos is reflected in messages featured on the medal, including phrases such as we are first-timers, we are finishers and we are local legends.

"A lot of people taking part will be doing it for the first time," Saheed said. "I want them to have that reminder on the medal. Finishing is the most important thing. It doesn't matter how long it takes, we all get the same medal."

Fellow REP member Bod Brewster echoed that sentiment.

"It doesn't matter if you're chasing a personal best or simply aiming to get round the course,” she said. “Finishing is an achievement. For many people running a 5K is a huge achievement, so completing a half marathon is incredible."

The project also gave members an opportunity to reflect on what REP means to them.

Jack Palaian moved to London from the US just over a year ago and discovered REP through Strava. He says the welcome was immediate.

"This community really opened London up to me," he said. "Saheed leads by example. He learns people's names and makes everyone feel recognised. On my first Tuesday, having someone remember my name really stuck with me. It sets the tone for everyone else."

Jack believes run crews play an important part in meeting new people and building a network, especially if you’re new to a city.

"Social anxiety is huge, and a lot of people struggle to find the courage to say hello. A run club is great because conversation flows naturally. If you're running next to me, you're obliged to talk to me," he laughed.

For Tayla East, who moved to London from New Zealand, joining REP has helped unlock a new level of confidence and ambition in her running.

"I'd always been a runner, but I wasn't doing races," she said. "REP encouraged me to get out there and give it a go. I ran my first marathon this year in Brighton and then completed the TCS London Marathon two weeks later!"

For long-time member Nutnkpol Sukontasings, REP's appeal has always been its family atmosphere.

"You support each other and share the journey together," he said. "It feels like a family. As Jack said, Saheed leads by example and lifts people up. It's social running. The important thing is to finish and have fun."

If you’ve opted in, you will get your very own REP-inspired medal and T-shirt at the Finish Line. And for those looking to experience the community that helped create them, REP meets every Tuesday at Work.Life Soho in central London. With four pace groups on offer, the crew caters for everyone from complete beginners to experienced runners.

Find out more on Strava.