It's That Time of the Year Again

I’ve tried unfollowing runners on social media, leaving running groups, and not reading running/trail running/outdoor publications. Despite my best efforts to disengage, every year at this time someone, usually a runner, reminds me that it’s time for the Barkley Marathons. I’ve never called for nor wanted Lazarus Lake’s events to be canceled. I do think that runners ought to think twice about supporting, following, and elevating an event that was inspired by the man who assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Laz claims that his event spoofs the assassin’s futile prison escape attempt. Nevertheless, the existence of this event guarantee’s that MLK’s assassin will forever occupy a space in running. On the other hand, the words “Black Lives Matter” and words associated with racial justice are not welcome at Laz’s events. Laz decreed “Black Lives Matter” and racial justice slogans that make white runners uncomfortable are fighting words. The name of the man who assassinated MLK is welcome. The words “Black Lives Matter” are not welcome. I am not welcome.

I’m still wrestling with the chain of events that started with me posting a picture of myself wearing a shirt. It’s hilarious because I seldom wore shirts when I was a runner. It’s sad because for me, running is past tense. I don’t feel that I belong around other runners, and even if I’m able to mentally be okay with running, I don’t know that I will ever trust other runners.