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

I have always wondered this as well. I say that you make up your own "races" and tell people you ran the "insert name here" half marathon. 13.1 is 13.1 race or no race. Congrats on your accomplishments!

Perhaps you should look into virtual races? It's essentially the 'race' without all of the stuff you complained about. You can run anywhere, at any time. Some must be done on a specific day to 'count' some give you a week or several months. There's loads out there of different lengths, themes, price points. Some are free, some are not. The ones that require an entry usually are either for charity, or you get a medal/swag bag/shirt, etc. Anyway, possibly something to look into.

The way I see it, if you run recreationally, whether in races or just on your own, you're a runner. I don't car how far you go, how fast you get there, or where you run.

Since I started running just 4 weeks ago, everyone keeps trying to get me to sign up for races, saying I "need" the motivation. Actually, I don't. I enjoy running, I am hitting every goal I set for myself on or ahead of schedule, and I have the dedication to run on a treadmill when weather keeps me from running outdoors. Exactly how much more motivation do I need!?!

I get that races are super fun for some people, but they just don't appeal to me at all. Now that being said, I don't publicly refer to myself as a "runner" precisely to avoid those types of criticisms because I know that a lot of runners have issues with "newbies" claiming a "title" they haven't earned yet because they don't race. But, you know what? If crowds and porta potties are what make for a real runner, I'll just be a jogger forever. That's fine by me.

Two years ago, my husband ran a marathon every month for a year. Every single one was along the canal by our house with just him running and me on my bike. Just because there was no starting line or finish line doesn't mean he didn't run a marathon 12 times that year. We consider those the same accomplishments as the formal races and marathons he's run.

Interesting side note, he had measured the distance wrong. Turns out he did a 30 mile run every month, plus his training runs that were anywhere from 5 to 17 miles.

I mean yeah, running makes you a runner regardless of if you do the races. I have done one 5k race...more of a fun race and it was a super cool experience. Now I'm in the last leg of a 10k training program and I've thought about doing a race and then as quick as I thought about it, I'm not thinking about it anymore.

For me, I think it would be a good thing to do just to maybe make some runner friends. Maybe even some in my community. Meh, I'm in no rush. I just run because I like to do it

In any event....just do your thing. Don't worry about what everyone else says. If you aren't walking, you're running....go get it!

Runner= one who runs. The end. You don't to let anybody define what it means to be a runner for you.

Running is a means of exercise. Running races is a means to challenge you or to enjoy a different experience while running. You are a runner. I know lots of people that never race and never want to. But they love the benefits of running. So keep on running....runner.

Oh...one other thing. Don't let people push you into doing something your don't feel compelled to do. My sister ran her first marathons when she turned 50, She did well and was in the top half of the races and always placed in the top 12 of her age group. Now that I am pushing 60 and have taken up running and doing longer distances, she keeps pushing me to do a marathon just so I can experience it. I don't think I ever will...but never say never. But I really don't feel its for me. I liked doing my sprint triathlons and like the mixed sporting events as well as cycling. Everyone needs to find what makes them happy.

You know, one of my favorite things about the running community is this strong sense of acceptance. It doesn't matter if you run outdoors, up and down mountains, on the sidewalk, in the bike lane or on a treadmill. As long as you get up off the couch and lace up those shoes, you're a runner. Races can be fun, but they're not for everyone. I think anyone who thinks you're only a runner if you compete has, unfortunately, missed the WHOLE EFFING point of being a runner.

You know what 13.1 miles on a treadmill is? Mental training. If you can run that long in one place on a treadmill, you can run 13.1 anywhere else. It takes tough mental discipline to stare at the same environment for that long. So kudos to you.

I disagree with comments that say you can't be called a "X-distance runner" without having competed in a race. A half marathon is simply a distance - 13.1 miles. Half the distance run by that famous Greek solider. A marathon is 26.2 miles. Does it matter where? Does it matter that you're the only one running it? NO.

I hate that people have tried to make running into this elitist, hierarchy. Pace, distance, "races" or non-races. It doesn't matter. What matters is you got up today and made a choice. And that's what makes you a Runner.

You're a runner.

That said, just because you've run 13 miles doesn't mean you've run a half marathon.

You know in your mind that you are a runner. However running outside and running on a treadmill are very different, and I encourage you to try it. You have to adapt to wind, temperature, elevation changes, etc and it will help to improve your athleticism to practice on different terrains. But if you run, you are a runner.


As far as earning a title, you have to compete in an actual race. The titles of half-marathoner, marathoner, triathelte, ironman, etc are awarded to those who successfully complete the race for which it's named. Take the Ironman for instance. Even if you finish the whole race, you aren't a finisher unless you complete it within 17 hours. If you try your hardest and miss the cut off, does it take away from your badassness? No. But you didn't earn the title of ironman.

Why do you care if anyone else calls you a runner?

Do you think you're a runner? Then you're a runner.

Easy peasy. Anyone who gives you a hard time doesn't need the time of day, much less your 10k Pb time.

You don't have to do races to be a "runner". If you run, you're a runner. And if you ran 13.1 miles, you've run a half marathon. That's the definition, and it really doesn't matter if it's "official" or not. The beauty of running

Now, if you've never run a race, then you're simply not a "racer". You're a runner who doesn't race.

Which really isn't a bad thing. I don't know why people put so much stock in running races for defining who is or is not a runner.. I mostly do races with friends because it's just a fun way to celebrate big life things for me. I've also discovered the fun awesomeness of relay races, which makes running more of a teamwork thing. Definitely a lot more fun than dealing with traditional races.

I was not aware of this rule.

Yeah, me either. When I started running, no one sat me down and told me that I had to sign up for a bunch of races.

Granted, I do run a ton of races. But I do it because I enjoy it, not because I have to.

For me, it's like taking the test after all the studying. The proof that I know the material. Some people don't test well. Doesn't mean they don't know the material.