5 Weeks of EDRA

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5 Weeks of EDRA

EDRA, the British specialist running apparel brand, is just over a month old (time really does fly) so it felt like a good time to reflect on the progress so far and share what's coming next.

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind five weeks, Since launch, EDRA's first collection has been raced in, reviewed and worn by runners across the UK. We’ve watched our kit turn up in race photos we didn't even know were being taken, had some amazing feedback, and started building the beginnings of a proper run community around the brand. It’s been a genuinely humbling few weeks. 

We couldn't be more grateful for the support we've received, whether that’s people picking up their first piece of EDRA kit or simply cheering us on as we find our feet. Here are some of our highlights from the first five weeks, and a look at what is next. 

1. EDRA launch night in Leeds

We kicked things off with a small gathering of friends, family and early supporters of the brand.

It was a relaxed, although sweltering, heatwave evening and a chance to celebrate how far EDRA had come after a long journey of development before launch.

There was the first collection to try on, plenty of questions asked about the fit and technology, and no shortage of running chat of course! The DJ kept the vibes going, pizza to feed lots of hungry people and a great time was had!

Looking back, launch night set the tone for everything that’s followed. It’s not about a big splashy debut, it was about bringing the right people together and building something real from there. That same spirit has carried through into the Canal Club, our race outings and everything we’ve got planned next. 

2. EDRA kit raced at Ilkley Half Marathon and BMC Watford

Abdi took on the British Milers' Club 3000m in Watford, running an incredible 8:14 on a hot and windy evening.

Meanwhile, George Ravenhall wore the EDRA vest to second place at the Ilkley Half Marathon.

Across the roads, trails and fells of Yorkshire, the kit has also been put through its paces by runners of all levels. The feedback on the FLOATLITE™ Singlet has been brilliant, and we are incredibly grateful and proud to see the first collection being worn as it was intended.

Image alt text: George Ravenhall racing in an EDRA FLOATLITE singlet, finishing second at Ilkley Half Marathon

 

3. Canal Club: structured running sessions in Leeds

Our first Canal Club was a success!  A relaxed and pressure-free, but still structured, training session on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath.

The idea behind Canal Club has always been simple: bring together a mix of paces and abilities for a session that actually helps you get faster, without the intimidation factor that can put people off joining a run club in the first place.

Old and new faces joined us for some tempo repetitions in the sun, followed by cold drinks and plenty of laughs. Big thanks to our friends at OTE, who kept everyone fueled with gels and electrolytes on the day, always a welcome right after a set of reps in the heat.

We can't wait for the next one. Canal Club takes place every two weeks on Saturday mornings, and it's open to runners of all abilities. You can join the EDRA Strava group here to get session times and all the updates.

4. A brilliant welcome from the running press

We also feel extremely fortunate to have received such a positive welcome from the running and regional business press.

It has been brilliant to see the EDRA story shared so early in the journey, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped tell it.

5. What's next for EDRA: custom club vests and new products

There is plenty happening behind the scenes:

  • Following the brilliant response to our FLOATLITE™ Singlet, and several requests for custom club versions, we have worked closely with our specialist factory partner to develop an EDRA custom vest service for running clubs in Leeds and beyond. This isn’t about slapping a club badge of a stock vest, we wanted to create a genuine performance vest that clubs could race and train in, built on the same technical fabric and fit as FLOATLITE, just customised. More details will be shared very soon, so watch this space if you run for a club.

  • We are developing new products and colourways, with several prototypes already in progress. Everything we add to the range goes through the exact same process as the first collection, multiple rounds of testing by a selection of runners. 

  • Canal Club will continue every two weeks and we can't wait for this to thrive.

  • We have some exciting social-run collaborations and events planned over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our social channels.

Five weeks isn't long, but it has already been enough to show us what EDRA could become.

Thank you to everyone who has worn the kit, shared feedback, joined us for a run, attended an event or helped tell the story so far.

Shaped by the sport. Built to bring people together.

 

 

Explore the EDRA collection, or join us at the next Canal Club session on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.