SL X 94 "Bridge The Oceans" Interview with Paul Ward
A cultural powerhouse in its own right, The Nine Four has been breathing new life into our traditional understanding of running since 2013. The crew brings together a mix of individuals from all walks of life but all sharing the same love for building a shared community of culture in all its forms. Ten years since its inception, the Nine Four’s impact is undeniable, with sponsorships from Puma and Oakley to having built connections with like-minded crews across the globe. All proving that they will remain #foreverfaster.
In anticipation for the Shelflife x Nine Four “Bridge the Oceans” week, we caught up with Nine Four street legend, Paul Ward.
When and how did the Nine Four start?
In 2013 I was in Berlin working as a photographer, and was asked to take some portraits of a new friends running club. Felt weird cause he was cool, and back then running wasn’t. This is when I was introduced to running from a new perspective. After taking photos and running with The Berlin Braves I returned to Cape Town to start our own crew- The Nine Four was born.
Why do you think there was a need for a group like the Nine Four?
Running culture in the traditional form is huge in Cape Town, but that doesn’t mean it’s accessible or approachable for all. The Nine Four talks to a different type of person, who maybe never saw running as part of their lifestyle. Through the social side it becomes attractive and soon enough, runners are born.
What do you think separates the Nine Four from other running groups/sports clubs/social groups?
More than anything it’s the individuals. We are unexpected and diverse- people who would probably never meet or link are united in a strange and beautiful way. It’s often uncomfortable at first but becomes unifying. We intentionally keep the crew small and intimate, so you have to get to know everyone well and most of the crew have been together for years and years which forms really powerful bonds. It’s a commitment, but rewarding for those who invest their time and energy to the crew.
What do you feel is the benefit of bringing people together through running as opposed to another type of recreational activity?
What’s beautiful about running is there is very little barrier to entry compared to cycling for example, which you need huge investment to even start. Then running is an individual sport, nobody can run for you, but that’s where the magic of the crew comes in… you are able to achieve far more than you could as an individual when in the environment of the crew. It’s this collective drive to find growth as an individual, which makes it very special.
What do you think is the best music to run to?
Whatever gets you going! I think this is very individual, so not a one size fits all. Generally, a fast tempo helps but maybe you wanna take it easy and slow it down, and get lost in something ambient and beautiful… I do know when Beyoncé’s Renaissance album dropped, we ran to it back-to-back for a while and it kept us moving.
How has the Nine Four transformed since its inception?
I think in some ways we are still the same…. at least our core values are still the same. We’ve gotten much bigger in terms of presence, but still small in scale. But now we have merch and a clubhouse, and runners who run properly from Comrades finishers to half marathon speeders, we’ve grown without losing who we are- the core, a bunch of strangers who became family through running.
What similar crews do you look to for inspiration globally?
The OG’s are Bridgerunner NYC, RunDem London, NBRO Copenhagen, and our brothers Berlin Braves… But there are lots more, it’s truly worldwide now. Koreatown in LA are doing some amazing things too!
How did the Nine Four get involved in BTO?
We started it!!
Bridge the Oceans is making a return this year since 2018. For those who don’t know, what is Bridge the Oceans and how did it start?
The crew running vibe is all about traveling to different cities, finding friends in running, and when there is a big race, going down where the local crew holds it down for visitors. So, Bridge The Oceans is our social event around the Two Oceans Marathon. It’s basically just about making sure anyone in Cape Town for the race, feels at home and has a great time!
What is significant about Bridge The Oceans and its return?
Post covid I think we all want to feel social again and we have ten friends from Berlin flying in to do the Ultra, so we’re gonna make it special. If you’re gonna get on a plane to run 56km, we’re gonna make sure everything else is special!!!
What is different about the event this time around compared to previous years?
It’s similar, but joining forces with other crews and our Shelflife family has elevated it, and just makes it feel all that more special!!!
What makes the best cheerzone?
Smokebombs and champagne! But really, it’s the love of the people around you, cheering you on your own success when you’re hitting the wall… that makes the cheerzone special!!!
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Why did the Nine Four decide to collab with Shelflife for the return of Bridge The Oceans?
We’ve always been family, we’ve just decided to make it official. Shelflife is a cornerstone of Cape Town culture, so joining forces on an event like this, just makes sense. We speak the same language and are both focused on building and growing a special community, so yeah, it was a no brainer and we’re very honoured to be working together.
How do you think Shelflife’s values/ethos aligns with that of the Nine Four?
I think we both care deeply about community and want to create special memories and spaces in the city. Running is one pillar, but culture is everything and everywhere, from food to fashion to music, and we align on all of it… And understand the value of all these things working together to grow something special.
Why do you think this collaboration is important in the communities we occupy?
Collaboration is everything. You can achieve a lot alone, but together there is no limit.
Give us a glimpse into what the Bridge The Oceans week looks like?
Meeting new people. Making new friends. Eating good food. Listening to great music. Running Pbs and cheering Pbs… and dancing ‘til the legs have nothing left. Should be fun.
What are you most looking forward to about the event?
The after party is always special… all the tension of the race is done and finally you get to let loose with the new friends you have made. So yeah, see you on Sunday!!!
The SL x 94 "Bridge The Ocean" programme kicks off today from Wednesday, 12 April 2022 - Sunday, 16 April 2022!
Wed: 5km City Crew Run at 17:30/18:00, 34 Loop St (The Burrow)
Thurs: Meet & Greet Drinks at 21:00, One Park- Kloof St
Sat: Ultra Cheer Zone at 08:00, 53km Mark Crew Mile
Sun: Half Marathon Cheer Zone at 07:00, 18km Mark Crew Mile
Sun: Afterparty at 16:00, Blondie- Kloof St