After reading Robert Sullivan’s article “Stars Run Wild” in the February 2010 issue of Runner’s World got me thinking. Is it really a bad thing that so many celebrities are runner’s or use running as a publicity venue?

One of the things Robert pointed out in his article is that by running, celebrities “threaten to take over the mundane, real-life world that we, the noncelebrities, live in on a day-to-day basis.” No in a way, I can see his point, but only to a point.

As a runner, I guess I would definitely have an issue with a celebrity using running for publicity if in fact, they were not really runners. If they thought that being photographed in a pair of Nike’s and an iPod that it would somehow elevate their status in the public eye. Then, as a runner, I would take issue. But, when it comes down to actual fitness, I have no issue at all. In fact, I’d like to encourage it.

As runner’s, shouldn’t we be promoting the healthy act we participate in? To help discourage obesity in this world – especially in our children? Let’s face it. You and I don’t have the “pull” that an Edward Norton, Katie Holmes or the queen of all media – Oprah has on the masses. So if they can encourage other people to get their asses off a couch and onto the streets, shouldn’t that be a good thing? Heck, I say the more the merrier!!! Add to that, most celebrities run races for charities and I can’t imagine anybody having an issue with that.

Yes, it may lead to more crowded races and running outfits on the runways in France but that would also lead to more things being offered to runners. Imagine going into a sporting goods store with a larger running section than golf or cycling. Wouldn’t we “mundane, real-life runner’s” benefit from this? I think yes!!!

The only downside I can see is that people would jump right in without consulting other runner’s, physicians or expert advice. I believe we’re seeing the results of that now. With runner’s dying in many races this past year, I think people believe if you run, you’re automatically healthy. While running is a healthy lifestyle, running only provides fitness, not health. Be sure to get regular physicals and consult some experts before jumping in head first.

Give us your thoughts. How do you feel about Celebrity Running?

RMFR

Tags: Celebrity Runners, Cycling, Edward Norton, France, Golf, Katie Holmes, Oprah, Robert Sullivan, Runner's World

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Oddballs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.