Key eventsnowRunning for office - what's with MPs in shorts?48s agoRunning is hard on my joints - advice please!5m agoHow can I conquer back pain to run free?12m agoCan kit help running in high temperatures?11h agoWelcome to the ConversationRunning for office - what's with MPs in shorts?Fromey asks: What is it with politicians and running photo ops? Boris, Obama, and recently Andy Burnham. And I wonder why female politicians aren’t often seen out running in this way?
double quotation markKieran: There are a lot of signals being sent when you see a politician running: strength, motivation, energy, verve and vitality. It says: “I care about my health and fitness”. Running is arguably perceived as a more accessible activity that’s normal, simple, affordable. I also think they love being seen moving on foot, through their local neighbourhood, suggesting they’re connected, one of the people, doing what the people do.
Running has also become hugely popular so plenty of celebrities of all stripes love a running photo op, too. But when you see Boris running in big baggy tees and shorts, and Andy Burnham in his Everton shirt, it does make runners question the authenticity. I’ve seen lots of people on social suggest a ‘real runner’ probably wouldn’t wear that. As for female politicians, Liz Truss loved a running photo op – say no more.
