Why do I have to run Races to be a runner?

STrooper

In order to be a "runner" you have to run.

In order to be a "racer" you have to race.

In order to be a backpacker, you have to backpack.

And, in order to be a mountain climber you have to climb mountains.

So, you are a runner, not a racer.

You may be capable of running the distance associated with a 5k, 10K, a half-marathon, or even a marathon and may even run them routinely. But until you've actually signed up and then done it, with the bib, the timing chip, the time to be pulled up on a website and, yes, even a medal (if one is available and you want a symbol of your accomplishment), you can't actually say you've "run one."

I am a runner (once again). But until I actually run a marathon, I can't call myself a marathoner even though I will have run the total distance at least once before the actual race.

That's the distinction. You don't have to run races to be a runner.

guessrs

Says who? Good for you that you run that makes you a runner.
I need races to keep me motivated to run. Right now I'm tired of racing so I just enjoy running and won't race till spring.