in the small ohio town where i live, when running on a 10-12 mile course from my house which is mostly on a crushed limestone path, i usually pass no more than 10 people (running, walking or biking) and most 'runners' give no acknowledgement. there's not much politeness, pretend or otherwise!
the worst are young male high school runners -- alone or in groups. even when it's clear they are just on a casual easy run.
running doesn't get much support in this wrestling and football crazed town, so i find their unfriendliness toward the small group (the few people in the area who use this trail) most likely to support them very odd. I know i could care less how they do and i'm a fan of the sport in general. i wouldn't go to support them because i have a young son and their attitude isn't what i'd like him to learn. ironically the wrestlers, on a whole, always make a point of acknowledging the kids who come to watch them. guess that explains part of the reason for their popularity in this area. of course maybe the wrestlers are more confident because they get more support. who knows?