I have been at races where elites are glad to take pictures and sign autographs on their cool downs or at races they are invited to. Not just track or elite marathons or company sponsored events.
I have met and talked with Leo Manzano at Texas Independence Relay which has zero elites, but having a pro runner at the start helps motivate you on the next 20-30+ hrs of running.
Brent Vaughn and Simon Bairu stopped their cool down to take a quick pic with me at SA RnR.
I even have pictures with Oswaldo Lopeez(which I helped crew), Hal Koerner and Karl Meltzer at a 100 mile race.
These elite athlete are very humble and welcoming to any fan that recognizes them and appreciate to sit and talk. I have been around and I have been lucky to get a few of these runners talk and take pictures with me and that has motivated me to keep going.
I was once a front of the pack runner and now a mid-pack guy, but I still support my local, commercial and just for kicks races. I have even organized a few myself to help fund raise and market running.
The media does have quiet a bit to do with it, every time I post I am watching track, xc or any major road race, my friends ask where, what channel, and what events. And many haven't ran a lick since high school and some didn't even finish running in high school, but they ask and they wonder how they can watch, but the media hasn't locked into this demo because it doesn't pay millions.