This is actually pretty much how I feel. I actually think the costumes and such make it a fun day. And in general the people behind me, or in front of me for that matter, aren't doing any harm.It's the people who advance popular RW-esque tropes about running who *are* doing harm, imo, For reasons like the ones I mentioned. So I have an issue with them. I don't mind the 55-minute 5Ker and they're 'Had a Blast!!!' instragram. I mind the social response of 'Rock Star!' and that if I'm unimpressed, there's something wrong with me. I don't think a reaction of 'Try Harder Fattie!' is in order - that's just mean and dumb - but maybe we can dial it down to 'Looking good!' or 'Looks like fun!'. Why not just do that?
Let me axe you a question wrote:
Hmmmmm.... My perspective is: what happens behind me does not concern me. If people want to pin on numbers to waddle 5 kilometers while snapping selfies, I don't care. If they want to wear colorful wigs or super hero costumes, big whoop.
The point is, road races ceased to be competitive events many years ago. That's just the way it is. They do not exist for 'serious' runners, they exist for everyone else. The under-trained, the slow, the overweight, the posers, the fundraisers, et al.
Why ridicule people who finish behind you? Or get pissed off because some aren't as dedicated to running? Pursue personal fulfillment and you'll be much happier for it.