Runner Chronicles: Edson Sabajo
The Runner Chronicles
Edson Sabajo is known for his influential role in the worlds of streetwear, culture, and running. As the co-founder of Patta, the globally renowned Amsterdam-based streetwear brand, Edson has consistently bridged the gap between fashion and community. His vision goes beyond clothing—he uses his platform to inspire and connect people through shared passions like music, art, and sport.
Back in 2010, Edson’s love for running gave rise to the Patta Running Team, a collective that blends the culture of running with a strong sense of community. What began as a way to stay active with friends has grown into one of the most celebrated running crews in the world, making waves in the global running community. The Patta Running Team is now an integral part of events such as Bridge the Gap and the Bijlmer Run. But Edson took things further. He turned running into a unifying force, leveraging it to connect people and tackle meaningful issues.
Initiatives like Running Better Together, which raised awareness about Sickle Cell, and Road to Valencia, a project empowering youth, are prime examples of his commitment to using running as a vehicle for positive change. Patta Running Team also emphasizes the power of community. It's about creating a space where people from all backgrounds can come together to run, share experiences, and support each other, fostering a sense of unity. This initiative shows that running can go beyond physical activity—it's about connection, education, and making a meaningful impact in the world.
With his unique ability to blend culture, sport, and community, Edson Sabajo remains a dynamic force in redefining what it means to be part of the running world. Naturally, we wanted to hear his perspective on key topics, so we reached out. Dive into this special edition of the Runner Chronicles.
Let’s start at the beginning—how did you first get into running, and at what point did you decide, “I’m going to run that half marathon”?
The beginning was that I stopped playing football and wanted to keep in shape, so I always loved running and was doing some laps in the park. Then in 2009/2010, we got a request from Nike to help them promote a running watch, so we said we gonna make a team, and you will sponsor us. They agreed, and then we were training for the Dam tot Dam Loop, and after that, the rest was history, I guess.
In 2010, the Patta Running Team was founded. What has being part of this team brought you as a runner?
Which events and moments with the team stand out the most to you?
Many moments we have, but I think the moment I got an email from Charlie Dark was actually the moment I realized that there are more like-minded groups around the globe. That’s when we were invited to participate in a new movement called Bridge the Gap, where basically, whenever I come to your city, you show me your city through running and vice versa. We started with a couple of crews, and now it’s like a whole movement, created by Mike Seas (BridgeRunners) and Charlie Dark (Run Dem Crew).
Our team is all about spreading love and helping each other cross that finish line, and motivating and helping each other on and off the field. Sometimes I run alone, but also in the group. We’ve been doing this since 2010, did so many half marathons in the world, but also a lot of full marathons, and I did one ultra in Cape Town—the Two Oceans. Plus, running projects with the youth and helping out as the Patta Foundation with the Bijlmer Run. So basically, we have our own marathon now. Hahaha. Crazy.
How do you view the current running culture today?
I believe that through our whole Bridge the Gap movement, etc., we changed the landscape of running. When we started, it was all about basic outfits and more pro-like things. But I can remember we did the 10K in Paris, and we all came as a football team, coordinated, with some panther print leggings—just fresh-to-death gear, hahahha. We made that shit kool and also put the culture in front with the community. We’re in it together, not a solo thing.
Plus, we bridged the gap between pros and recreational running and showed the world that anybody can run. You don’t have to do special diets or only eat beetroot to finish a marathon.
You can also have a party lifestyle—
Just put ya mind into it.
"Running Better Together" was an inspiring initiative that got many young people into running. It also raised significant awareness around Sickle Cell. Looking back, how do you feel about this project, and what role did running play in it?
It was and is a lotta fun to start these projects and see the development of these youngsters, not only on the track or road but also in real life. And I think that is the most important thing that happened during those youngster projects—the personal growth of these youngsters and that they always have a mentor or backup that is always there.
For the sickle cell projects, we got approached by this nice lady who started her own foundation about creating awareness for this horrible disease/illness. So we promoted it to create more awareness and try to raise money for the cause. It was and is the only right thing to do, especially when the illness gets no attention and funding in the Western world, because it mainly happens to colored people (read black and brown and everything in between). And since we are an independent black business, we had to participate.
"Road to Valencia" was a continuation with the youth. This project showed that running is often about more than just the sport itself.
It’s a tool to develop and stimulate your own consciousness—who am I, what am I, what powers do I have, etc. Which is beautiful to see after the 6 months of training and doing a half marathon.
And to lead this program just makes me feel proud, especially with the team who helps me out.
What does community mean to you within the Patta Running Team?
People throw that word in like it's a hype or fashion statement or a marketing tool, but we is/breath/live this. We is the community who are pushing culture forward.
What has been your favorite event in the past three years?
Many. But one special one for me is the Two Oceans in Cape Town, cause we went there with a team and the training was special. To actually run 56K and conquer two mountains was special. The after party too tho.
And the 48-hour David Goggins challenge was also special—my team know why.
Love.
How do you push through the toughest moments—whether it’s during a race, when dealing with injuries, or on those days when you just really don’t feel like heading out the door?
Hahahah. You just go, cause you know the reward afterwards. During the race, I just tell myself, "I trained for this. Keep calm and breathe, don’t overdue it, just finish."
Lastly, best song or album during a run on a Suckafree Sunday?
I actually never run with music. I just focus on my breathing and the surroundings, enjoying my peace of mind, because running to me is also a form of meditation. It's about becoming one with myself. Plus, ideas pop up, and I can clear my head and think about stuff. So, no music.
