Marlon Patrice is many things – a runner, activist, hiker and motivational speaker just to name a few. Most of the time, however, when his name comes up, in conversation or online, it’ll be in conjunction with the phrase ‘We Go Outside Too’, the name of a charity and community that Marlon founded in 2020.
We Go Outside Too was set up as a safe space for intergenerational black community members from across Birmingham to connect with nature and increase health and well-being. Since its foundation, the platform and Marlon have gone on to achieve many impressive feats, with the reach of the community now stretching well beyond just The Midlands.
The events held by We Go Outside Too have proven to be some of the most valuable and inspiring of their discipline, with over 1000 people participating in over 30 hikes since 2020. Since founding the platform Marlon has gone on to win awards and host talks around the country. He’s a true man of the people and one of the first names that springs to mind in conversations about outdoor communities.
Ever since meeting Marlon, we’ve been keen to sit down for a chat to discuss everything that has happened in his journey since founding We Go Outside Too, and the other day we did just that…
Hi Marlon, how are you? Where are you? And could you provide some information about what you do?
I am currently based in Birmingham and I’m a wellness curator, a person who brings community together, building bridges between lifestyle brands and community. We Go Outside Too was created with a love of the outdoors in mind and creating good harmony in safe spaces.
I created We Ge Outside Too when I needed it most. At the time, a space outdoors where people could come together didn’t exist in Birmingham. I needed people at this point in my life, I was in a very, very vulnerable place at the time, so creating We Go Outside Too gave me so much purpose and drive to move forward
It’ll be five years since forming our charity so it’s great to look back on my journey and see how far I’ve come, but overall as a collective too.
What did you do before what you do now?
Running, Running, Running .
You’ve touched on it a bit already, but what are the in’s and out’s of We Go Outside Too?
Our mission is to introduce nature’s raw and authentic beauty to marginalized communities to improve well-being. We achieve this by integrating mental and physical well-being therapy with outdoor activities. Our regular activities seek to build a community and provide opportunities for intergenerational Black community members throughout Birmingham, the Black Country, and West Midlands to engage in walking, nature-based learning, and holistic workshops.
We want to create a safe haven and a chance for individuals to explore the natural environment, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing their health and well-being.
We also engage in trading activities that align with our company’s values and ethos, which allows us to increase the sustainability of our non-trading activities and ultimately leads to growth.
Have you always had a keen interest in the outdoors?
My interest in the outdoors has always been there from when I started running until the present, I guess it’s the sense of being in control of where I go. It gives me the opportunity to change direction whenever I please.
I’ve always felt nature has been cool from a young age, something that developed from watching David Attenborough.
When forming We Go Outside Too I was surprised by the barriers and statistics on why people from the inner city don’t venture out more. The more I delved into this, the stronger I felt about campaigning to make changes.
What has it been like seeing We Go Outside Too grow as a community?
Our work at We Go Outside Too is deeply rooted in a personal journey and a strong commitment to inclusivity, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
These values guide everything we do, we value partnerships and work collaboratively to design and deliver impactful projects that align with shared goals.
Does any one event you’ve been involved in stand out as being the most memorable?
We recently did a Repair Kit Workshop called Second Life Outdoors with @allterrain95 and @upcyclekit. The day included a gear swap and a hike, these kinds of events are great as it has an educational element and instead of binning gear, it gets repaired.
With yourself living in Birmingham, the second most densely populated city in the UK, do you find it extra important to prioritise getting outside?
Yes, very much so. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by up to 50%. Our hikes and retreats provide these benefits to underserved communities.
It gives so much respite from the noise and provides a time to unplug and focus on the now, it always has positive impacts on my mood and even the way I view life. It’s been a transformative practice.
What brands have We Go Outside Too worked with?
Osprey is our main sponsor, but we’re currently also working with Goodrays, a CBD drinks company and then have a long list from separate projects, such as Peak District National Park, Satisfy, Zegna, Mountain Hardware, Hydroflask, Berghaus, Belstaff, Craghoppers etc.
What brands do you like to wear personally?
I like the Korean brand, Amomento, for their lightweight materials and also GR10K products for their rugged hardwearing nature.
Gnuhr, I also really like for there shag hoodies which are made from a great breathable material that’s perfect for running.
But it really depends, I like to mix things up
Favourite outdoor location you’ve visited?
It was amazing to visit Spain and hike there, seeing the different plants and terrain. We are yet to do more international travels, but there are some in the pipeline.
Favourite pair of shoes / trainers of all time?
For trainers, I would say the Nike Free Run 2, they’re super comfortable, a great shoe for any movement exercises and entry-level running.
Nowadays, in between running and hiking, I wear Vivobarefoot. They are the ultimate recovery shoe it’s like they reset your feet.
Favourite brand(s) of all time?
Engineered Garments, Sacai, Muji.
What does an ideal weekend look like for Marlon Patrice?
It could consist of running, eating cake, body weight exercises, hiking, sauna or just being still to recover after a long run. If none of that, I enjoy spending time with family. I’m also very spontaneous, and can regularly wake up with a new challenge in mind and want to complete it.
Any Birmingham spot recommendations?
Bene Culture Radio do a nice stream of music on Thursday and Friday, their shop is based in Digbeth and it’s a great place to network with other creatives from Birmingham.
Exhale Conscious Bar is a Non-Alcoholic Bar that’s a great place to connect and have genuine conversations.
Cafe Artum is another amazing space where they host talks events and live sessions. It’s situated in Hockley social club where there’s a variety of food vendors to choose from also.
What is your proudest achievement with We Go Outside Too so far?
I have had a few wow moments, like magazine and news features, but to be honest winning an award at Kendal Mountain Festival, was great to highlight the work we have been doing, but it also felt great to be recognised and welcomed by the festival which is like a family, we’ve been going every year since starting in 2020.
What can we expect to see from We Go Outside Too and Marlon Patrice in 2025?
We want to pivot more into the space of educational workshops and more brand activations, we’ve kind of moved away from just doing walks and now want to do more thoughtful projects as well as a few limited edition drops here and there on top of more running, more meaningful connections and more and more community work.
Thanks for chatting, Marlon!
