Maybe I’m cynical but I’m not sure the cultures can co-exist. As soon as brands get involved, communities become commodities, and runners become “economic units” as Logan Roy would say.
I think it's the same as wanting a pair of shoes that late 1000km. There are always compromises to be made if you want the perfect situation, which means it's then perfect for neither.
What’s fascinating about Nike starting all these running crews is that when they disinvested, the whole movement really took off and laid the seeds for their current woes! A fascinating little case study of how “community” (in quotes when it’s founded by a brand) can take on a life of its own.
Just been doing some research. This article suggests Saucony is no longer a sponsor... the quote being: “Over the past few days, we’ve listened closely to concerns from the community about our sponsorship of the Jerusalem Marathon, and after thoughtful consideration we have made our decision to step back from our sponsorship position.
“Our priority is and will always be the running community. We remain committed to finding ways around the world to bring people together through running.”
It took pretty universal (and united) condemnation from the London crews for that to happen. Surprising it didn't get coverage beyond the Hackney Citizen (absolutely no offense to the Citizen).
Maybe I’m cynical but I’m not sure the cultures can co-exist. As soon as brands get involved, communities become commodities, and runners become “economic units” as Logan Roy would say.
I think it's the same as wanting a pair of shoes that late 1000km. There are always compromises to be made if you want the perfect situation, which means it's then perfect for neither.
J’agree 100%.
What’s fascinating about Nike starting all these running crews is that when they disinvested, the whole movement really took off and laid the seeds for their current woes! A fascinating little case study of how “community” (in quotes when it’s founded by a brand) can take on a life of its own.
Spot on.
So real! They popularized the run crew and the community took over. Good guy Nike?
Good guy, Nike, or did they miss the opportunity of being involved when the moment was biggest? 😂
Why is Saucony's sponsoring of the Jerusalem marathon not getting more coverage? Seems shocking to me with a route such as that...
Just been doing some research. This article suggests Saucony is no longer a sponsor... the quote being: “Over the past few days, we’ve listened closely to concerns from the community about our sponsorship of the Jerusalem Marathon, and after thoughtful consideration we have made our decision to step back from our sponsorship position.
“Our priority is and will always be the running community. We remain committed to finding ways around the world to bring people together through running.”
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2025/09/22/clubs-boycott-saucony-run-shoreditch-10km-event-sponsors-links-israel/
It took pretty universal (and united) condemnation from the London crews for that to happen. Surprising it didn't get coverage beyond the Hackney Citizen (absolutely no offense to the Citizen).
Awwww. Richard is an old friend who I know through running in Toronto! So good to read his thoughts here.