The Trials and Tribulations of Running YouTubers

Ko was going to say something, but then he took a look at his bank account, and saw a big fat deposit from his runna appearance. And well, he remembered what he is here for.

Sell those runna subscriptions, ko!

Nah. Too far.

I doubt runna pays that much. KO will take just about any amount of money though. He'll sell out for anything.

The quality of his videos has fallen off, that's undeniable. But bigger than this problem with him, at least to me is that Spencer has always have... how can I say it... a "low-key douchebaggery vibes" around him. I don't like the guy.

First thing that impressed me (badly) is how organisers allow so many runners when the course is clearly not big enough to accomodate them? Regardless of if there's some guys who lap them and have to weave through or not. It seems horrible and also dangerous to run in such tight space. It's dangerouse to other people in the park, not just for the runners!

Second thing is Nick has to either ditch the power ranger outfit or the visor glasses. It's too much in a combo. He looks absolutely ridiculous and because he's so tall he sticks out even more. You're only allowed to have matching kit and big glasses if you're going for the podium in magor races. I think most will agree on this one.

I think a lot of parkruns are becoming victims of their own success, where they're so busy that they simultaneously are horrible for anyone interested in any kind of hard effort (regardless of the pace they do it at), and so popular that they can't change the way they run them or try to limit numbers. Imo any route that has people lapping people lapping people (which I think I've seen at almost all 3 lap courses), or no overtaking out-and-backs shouldn't really exist. You haven't got the space to have a good route so don't shoehorn one in. Especially in urban parks where you've got a decent amount of other users.

Anyway - back to Bester... I can imagine there's a real sense of dread amongst the volunteers at Parkrun when they see him lolloping towards them in his full race kit and visor get up. Absolutely don't buy his 'oh so many people are inspired seeing me overtake them dressed like I've come to set a national record'; you look like an idiot, having someone roller skate when it's that busy is idiotic. Honestly I think anyone outside of the pros looks like an idiot in matching vest and shorts, but absolutely at what is essentially a fun run

Parkruns are still a net positive. However, there are numerous annoying shenanigans that occur. Runners shouting at other runners and park users is a massive bugbear of mine; people running in faster groups pushing buggies and expecting everyone to keep out their way!

However, Bester turns up with some weapon on rollerblades to film him either doing a full send or going from last to first has to be one of the biggest instances of ducebaggery. Also to add to his over-the-top outfit, he has this super upright posing running style - I see hybrid athletes do it all the time. Terrible antics at a fun run.

Huh? He has literally nothing to sell. Just a clueless grifter making YouTube videos. It’s not like he’s squandering his talent or anything for gods sake.

Remembered the high/lowlight of Bester's parkrun career at Winchester not too long ago, when the police were investigating a body found in the park so asked parkrun to cancel that week. BA still managed to successfully complete another parkrun/crime scene takeover with a full send efforts all round

I didn't notice that until you said it. I think I wrote something about him being stiff (compared to his opponent) on one of his parkrun videos where he had to sprint vs. another runner for 1st place. His arm swings and upper body rotation in the like 200m kick or so were underwhelming to say the least. (aside running form, he doesn't have faster gears to outkick anyone who's kinda good.) His form looks robotic and stiff. Tall guys don't have the prettiest form, but still.

Was just listening to the latest Marathon handbook (GOAT podcast) podcast talking about what is good and bad at Grand Slam Track league and the poor attendance figures there.

Just wonder if it would be worth tapping into the popularity of running youtubers and getting a couple of the most talented ones along - Phily Bowden, Nick Bester, Ryan Turner etc..

Think they would get more bums on seats and think people would be surprised how well they'd be able to compete with the top athletes. Could be just what is needed to push them on to the next level.

🤣🤣🤣

based

I don't know if you're taking the p1ss but these people get less global views on their YouTube channels than some local public access TV shows from the 80s.

In terms of the YouTube/shoe tube space they may seem big but their viewing figures are tiny.

The cross over between watching actual running and the kind of people who watch Bester and Bowden is also probably non existent

Why on earth would GST invite joggers along?

You must be Bester's right hand man in the cult.

Georgie and TAS got smoked in the mile.

Did you expect a running sausage going faster than real dogs? :)

The technical term is "full kit wanker". The only thing that's more pathetic are his cult members who wear that rubbish having paid good money for it.

Sage going after Kofuzi on all platforms is gold though.