The Running Cult

Just Another Runner’s Perspective March 2024 Written by Gale Fischer

The Running Cult

“Everyone has their own definition of a healthy lifestyle, and mine has come to making health a priority but not an obsession.

—-Daphne Oz

There is something special about a long Saturday morning run with a group of like-minded friends. With the previous work week in the rearview mirror and the approaching work week still, almost two full days away, there is not a better time to unwind with friends for a prized activity. Rising early for the start of the weekend and putting in two hours of cardio while working up a sweat can provide a jumpstart for the remainder of Saturday, leaving the afternoon to run errands, catch up on chores, or just lounge in front of the television. While many use Saturday mornings to sleep in an hour or two later than during the week, the bulk of the running community would rather set the alarm early to hone their craft, freeing up the remainder of the day to check off tasks on the weekend to-do list. 

Sharing a running passion with a Saturday morning run group can set the tone for the weekend in many ways but perhaps what I enjoy most about this experience are the topics of conversation that come up during this extended session. It’s a great way to catch up and dialogue with running mates. Topics of discussion often center around what went down the previous week regarding work, family, and running. Other common subjects include sports, music, movies, and sometimes even politics. These conversations provide us with opportunities to connect with fellow runners, moments to increase our knowledge on a variety of topics, chances to be entertained, and glimpses into useless trivia. 

While completing the last few miles of our most recent Saturday group run the topic of cults came up in conversation. More specifically the question that was posed was: “Is there such thing as a marathon or running cult?” Of course, an initial reaction would be that “no, running is not a cult,” but I guess this debate comes down to each individual’s interpretation of the makeup of a cult, and how invested each particular individual is in the running group they associate with. 

A common impression of a cult would typically promote a negative connotation. There are certainly cults that push onto their members a not-so-healthy influence, but the word cult can take on more general meanings. Many well-known examples of cults include groups that have extreme control over their members. Many are based on religion but this is not always necessarily a required characteristic. Synonyms listed for cults on Thesarus.com include band, church, clan, faction, following, and party. Some of these same synonyms can be found for the word group. At its bare bones, a cult would be made up of a group of individuals with a common interest. 

I suppose any group of individuals could exhibit traits that are associated with a cult, so what about runners? There is no denying that most in the running community share a common passion for their activity of choice and in some instances, one’s interaction with running may border on extreme or even addictive. Although usually not the top priority of one’s weekly calendar, running schedules are often given high consideration when planning out each seven-day cycle. If something unexpected comes up most runners are flexible enough to either re-schedule a run or scrap it altogether. So although running might not be prized as the most important item on a runner’s schedule, an effort is usually made to make sure that a week’s workouts are completed. Running has a knack for bringing out our inner creatures of habit. 

Many runners bring their sport with them when they travel whether it be for business or pleasure. Running lends itself to this because it can happen anywhere with minimal inconvenience. Pack yourself a pair of running shoes and a small bag with running clothes, and just like that you are ready to go at any given time. While on vacation with family it is always a great opportunity to enjoy our sport in another location but it is always wise not to let it interfere with family obligations.  Most runners will find time to run but will do so while being considerate of their spouse and kids and squeeze in a run early in the morning, allowing them time for the remainder of the day to spend with family.

When looking at it through the lens of a non-runner, the obsession with running exhibited by the die-hards involved in our sport, may now and then give the appearance of runners taking on characteristics of a cult. Some refuse to give in to pain and injury, experienced while trying to run through an injury. Many wake up early in the morning, finishing up a run while others are still sound asleep in bed. Runners can certainly be rigid when it comes to their sport. I guess some questions must be asked and answered. Does the obsession harbor on being unhealthy? Does it take over one’s life and interfere with other obligations including family and work? Does it drain one of his or her energy?

Running and enjoying it with others is undoubtedly an important part of the life of many runners. We are a group bound by a common interest and passion. At times I suppose that our sport can be an unhealthy obsession but I feel the key for all of us is finding a balance in life and navigating how running fits into it without allowing it to consume every waking moment and thought.  I’m sure there are examples of runners in which their preferred activity becomes their cult with the run being the leader of this cult. For the masses, however, running may be a passion but hopefully, it never spills over into becoming a cult. Sounds like a great conversation starter for your next group run.

Until next time, this has been just another runner’s perspective.