Running is Political

Brandmauer Down — Where Do You Run?

In 2019, I wrote an article for my running blog at the time, Too Far Gone. The title: "Running is Political".

The background was that I had just released a collection with my running brand Willpower that took a strong stand against racism and discrimination: Run Down Racism.

(Photo by Paul Müller)

In addition to a lot of support and positive feedback, there were also a few voices telling me “to keep politics out of running”.

Obviously, I had touched a sensitive nerve, and not just with obvious racists.

Fast Forward to 2025... or 1933?

The recent vote in the German Bundestag, in which the CDU/CSU and FDP joined forces with the AfD, has sent shockwaves through democratic institutions and a large part of the population. While many are calling for stricter migration policies, colluding with an inhumane, hateful and proven far-right party can't be the answer. Or to put it simply:

You don't collaborate with Nazis. Period.

Yes, but Running….

Political decisions and even the tone and culture of debate have consequences that reach into every aspect of society – including the world of sports.

Running may seem disconnected from such debates, but it is not. The values we uphold in our running communities reflect the values we uphold in the wider world. Inevitably, however, someone will chime in with the all-too-familiar phrase: "Keep politics out of running!"

Let's be clear:

(Photo by Paul Müller)

Why Running is Political

Running is an activity that brings people together, builds communities, and shapes culture. It is where social behavior is claimed and negotiated. Runners are not just individuals tracking their pace or debating the best cushioning technology. They are consumers, employees, crew captains, social media role models, coaches, business owners, competitors, and teammates. Each of these roles is intertwined with decisions and actions that shape the social fabric of our sport – and our society.

Also, simply ignoring politics in running is a privilege that many do not have.

• Who can run freely in public spaces without being verbally or physically attacked?

• Who has access to safe running facilities?

• Who feels welcome at races, in running crews, in sports clubs?

• Who is judged at the starting line because they don't have the money for the latest shoes and the best equipment?

• Who is treated differently in running communities because of their gender, what they look like, or where they come from?

These are inherently political questions. Pretending otherwise is not neutrality – it is a choice to ignore the structures that create inclusion for some and exclusion for others.

Why This is a Good Thing

Yes, I believe that the running community has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change. A space where meaningful debate opens hearts and minds. Where solidarity extends beyond the high five after a run, and where peaceful coexistence of different backgrounds, beliefs, and identities is practiced every day. Running together makes a statement. It proves that diversity is not a threat, but a strength.

Now, more than ever, is the time to be loud and visible. To open this space for debate and exchange. Silence is death.

So speak your mind. State your values. Stand up to injustice whenever and wherever you see it. And never let anyone tell you that there is no place for political discourse in running. There is.

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Everything Not Running

I am currently on a book talk tour for Runhundred and Hundert-Meilen-Herz. Yesterday in Hamburg, tonight (Friday) in Essen and tomorrow in Erkelenz.

(Schreiben > Reden > Vorlesen. Photo by Henning Lenertz)

These readings are super special to me. No matter how much effort I put into meticulously writing down my experiences and thoughts, it is only through contact with you, the readers, that they come to life. And nowhere is that contact as close and direct as at a Book Talk.

I can look into the eyes of the audience and see their reactions. It's very exciting, a little demanding, but most of all enriching.

If you don't have any plans for today or tomorrow, here are the two remaining dates:

• Fri 31.01.25 Laufsport Bunert / Essen, 19:30 Uhr

• Sat 01.02.25 Querfeldrein Laufladen / Erkelenz, 14:30 pm

I will continue the Book Talk Tour soon. So if you know a running shop or another place of/for runners where I should stop by, just let me know!

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On Repeat

Today in On Repeat, a truly exceptional band that has been with me since my teenage years: Type O Negative.

Besides the hardcore music scene, there were many other genres and subcultures on the rise in the 1990s. Grunge was at the forefront, of course, but skate punk was also very popular. But there were also some bands that were a bit "off the beaten track" and yet were appreciated by everyone. Type O Negative was one of them.

At the time, Type O Negative was fairly controversial. Their singer Peter Steele – a hulk of a man – was a difficult and enigmatic person. I remember a Type O Negative concert I was going to go to that was canceled shortly before because of death threats. I was disappointed, but Monster Magnet, Sisters of Mercy and the Ramones (yes, I'm that old) were still on the bill, so the evening was more than made up for.

Maybe it was Peter Steele's provocative appearance, his unique voice, his untimely death or the truly timeless music of Type O Negative, somewhere between Gothic, Rock and Metal, that made this band immortal.

To this day, Type O Negative still captivates me, and I give in every time Apple Music suggests a song by them. Even though some of their tracks are over 10 minutes long.

This is actually the case with the über-krassen song "Black No.1" that I chose, but here it is in the shortened internet-compatible version of 4:42 min. Listen to it and let Peter Stelle take you into his dark world.