I do understand the perspective of the elite runner, having been (one or at least very close) 25 years ago. But Penguin has a point. If one wants money from an endeavor, then it is like any other business. And while there certainly are a number of limiting elements to the popularity of running, the attitude of the elite runners expressed on these boards just is no way to attract people to an entertainment business. Golf? I don't get the sport and only play it for the must attend business social events. Don't care for it. But it was a sport with very limited appeal 50 years ago. Think that just happened? No. The sport grew immensely because of people like Arnold Palmer, who treated every fan (and golf fans are to golf like 5 hour penguins are to running - most golf fans are truly hackers with a fraction of the skill of the pros) like a customer, took big risks in going for victories, and captured the public's imagination - voila - resulting in TV and corporate interest. Now, I am not suggesting that a more open attitude amongst the elite to identify (and encourage) the penguins as the core consumer and supporters of the sport will cure the sport's financial problems, but it certainly would be a start. In this vein, I find the ridicule of Runner's World unhelpful. I respect everyone who gets out there and is dedicated to putting one foot in front of the other - some do it faster and for longer periods of time - this if of course why we find the Ryan Halls and the Ala Webb's captivating - but encouraging people to express themselves through this sport is a commonality that ought to be appreciated, not denigrated. Think this is a didactic on morality? Heck no - its business.