Ozo Running Club: Building Community Among Igbos in London

In London's Hyde Park, the Ozo running club unites over 300 Nigerian-Igbo members every Saturday, promoting camaraderie, community, and cultural pride through running.

At Hyde Park in London, a lively gathering takes place at 11:00 AM each Saturday as members of the Ozo running club assemble to lace up their trainers. Founded by young Nigerians of Igbo heritage, this running club aims to connect individuals with their roots and provides a sense of community far from home.

"We wanted to create a space where young Igbo people could connect and re-connect to their culture," expressed co-founder Chibueze Odoemene, who launched the club alongside Emeka Atumonyogo and Chigo Ogbonna. Since its inception less than three months ago, membership has soared to over 300 individuals, showcasing a significant desire for community bonds amidst a global surge in social running clubs.

Interestingly, Strava, the popular running tracker, reported a 59% global increase in running club participation this year. However, for the Ozo club, Saturday meetups represent more than just fitness; they offer a familial atmosphere where participants bond over cultural traditions. As members gather, Afrobeats music energizes the air. "Igbo kwenu!" Odoemene calls out, prompting a spirited reply of “Eyy" from the group, a call-and-response tradition that resonates with unity and shared identity.

Odoemene noted that the chant emphasizes togetherness and love within the Igbo community, illustrating the club’s commitment to both athletics and cultural representation. The founders acknowledge that the club’s primary goal is fostering community rather than romantic connections, although members do entertain the possibility of love blossoming from their gatherings.

Francesca Ngozi Ezennolim, who traveled from Reading for the run, emphasized her search for connection. "I don't have a lot of Igbo friends," she shared, indicating her hope that Ozo would help bridge that gap. New member Jennifer Iwuamadi echoed the sentiment, stating, "It's a great way to get fit and network."

Despite the thriving Igbo community in the UK, with their numbers climbing from 8,000 to 11,000 over a decade, many feel their identity is threatened. A chilling prediction from UNESCO suggested the Igbo language could face extinction by 2025. The founders of Ozo aim to counteract this by fostering a vibrant community and representation of Igbo culture, which they feel is overshadowed by Yoruba narratives in the UK.

The early days of the club did not draw only Igbo members; individuals of various backgrounds, including those from Iran and Italy, have participated, reinforcing Odoemene's assertion that the club is inclusive. He encourages curiosity about Igbo culture from all members.

However, the club faces a complex heritage. The history of the Biafra war and the post-war stigma continues to shape perceptions of the Igbo people, making their cultural affirmation even more poignant. Uzoma Ehziem, an active pacer in the club, noted that while many Nigerian figures in media are often Yoruba, Igbo contributions are equally significant.

In addition to running, the club also organizes monthly gatherings such as karaoke nights and dodgeball to foster deeper connections among members. As the run concludes each week, the shared chants of unity remind participants that their meet-ups extend beyond physical activity; they create lasting friendships imbued with cultural pride.

As participants conclude their session, exchanging contact information and pledging to meet again next Saturday, the Ozo running club exemplifies how a simple act of running can cultivate rich community ties and reinforce cultural identity far from home.