“I’m a runner girl in Utah, not a Utah Runner Girl.”
Go check #RunTok right now, and you’ll find this sentiment splashed across various videos. At first glance, the slight tweak in word order might seem trivial – but as it turns out, in the running community, the diction matters.
“Utah Runner Girl” is a phrase that encompasses a specific group of running influencers based in Utah. They’ve become known for their endless array of perfectly-curated outfits, lengthy daily downhill routes, and effortless (read: often unattainable) image of running.
“I don’t identify with these stereotypes at all,” says Erica Gebbia, a Utah-based runner and cyclist. “Yes, I love wearing bright, colorful outfits, but at the end of the day, that’s not what running is about. As a runner, I’m focused on the work and effort it takes, not how I look or what gear I’m wearing.”
She adds that in addition to the slightly obnoxious optics, a lot of these influencers are a prime example of the privilege that exists in Utah. “Many come from wealthy backgrounds and have made social media their full-time job. They can afford the latest Lululemon gear and travel to whatever races they want,” says Gebbia. “So many dedicated athletes in Utah don’t fit that mold. They’re balancing careers, families, and training, and they’re the ones who genuinely represent the Utah running community but don’t get the clout.”
In fact, most runners in Utah don’t identify with this image. “I work a 9 to 5 in healthcare, I still wear old t-shirts from high school and college, race only a few times a year (gotta stay healthy), and I try to be realistic about my life and content, it’s not always fun and it’s never perfect,” says Natalie Beall, another runner in Utah who feels frustrated by the representation of her state’s running community. She also notes that she unfollowed those women when their accounts began to feel “unrelatable.”
@lizzie.ramey 17 miles today! A few miles of snow, but the views carried us through!🥰 #run #runner #running #training #marathon #fitness #hybrid #lifestyle
“It’s a slap in the face to watch as someone who fits a specific mold (pretty, tan, trendy) can post a video running effortlessly downhill, and suddenly the internet is in awe,” says Gebbia. “In reality, downhill running looks fast and flashy on social media, but it doesn’t tell the whole story of what it means to be a strong, well-rounded runner.”
According to Gebbia, the “real Utah running community” has incredible camaraderie built on shared experiences, tough challenges, and lifting each other up. It is filled with “people of all backgrounds, supporting each other at local races, showing up in the dead of winter for training runs, and pushing themselves not for social media clout but because they love the sport. That side of the Utah running scene deserves to be highlighted.”
Beyond the idyllic, overly-sanitized image that often comes with the social media-fication of, well, anything – the reason the “Utah Runner Girls” have been more under scrutiny lately has to do with politics.
“There’s been a growing realization online that some of the most popular running influencers in the community are Trump supporters, which has sparked much conversation and resistance,” says Gebbia.
Why does it matter who these influencers voted for? At first glance, it may not seem like politics has anything to do with running – after all, regardless of our affiliations, can’t we just coexist in the name of exercise? Of course, running is an incredibly inclusive tool for building community and bringing people together, regardless of background and beliefs. At the same time, running is (and always has been) inherently political.
@nataliebeall Running is political and it’s ignorant to think it’s not #utahrunning
That’s because so many issues that matter to runners are intrinsically tied to social, public, and environmental policy. For proof, simply dig into the history of the (women weren’t even permitted to compete in marathons until 1967, and not at an Olympic level until 1984), consider the ongoing questions about who has the privilege of safe running spaces (queer folks, women, and Black Americans continue to face safety concerns), or take a look at how our government’s choices shape access to outdoor spaces for the running community (the current administration just laid off massive numbers of U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service employees who maintain and preserve public lands).
In Utah, specifically, concerns about environmental preservation are incredibly potent. “Many people move to Utah for its unparalleled access to the outdoors. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful states in the country,” says Melissa Orlandi, an avid runner based in Utah.
“With the Mighty Five national parks, world-class skiing, breathtaking hiking trails, and expansive forests, Utah is a haven for those who love being outside. Because of this, the state has attracted a vibrant community of athletes, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts – many of whom form the backbone of Utah’s recreation culture.”
At the same time, Orlandi adds, there’s no secret that Utah is a deeply conservative state, which means passing legislation that prioritizes environmental conservation and public land investment can be challenging. And, “on a national level, the current administration’s actions set a troubling precedent for how public lands and environmental conservation will be prioritized moving forward.”
@graceinsaltlake proud Utah girl trying to change the stereotype #utahrunning #downhillrunning #utahgirls #slc #utah #utahdemocrat #slcutah ♬ original sound – GG
So while people in the public spotlight certainly don’t owe fans or followers unfettered access to their personal lives, it seems understandable that people would want to know where their fellow #RunTok creators stand on issues that are deeply important to the running world. And it seems equally understandable that those same influencers would face scrutiny over voting for a candidate who doesn’t have the best interest of their community in mind.
After all, if you’re going to represent (and capitalize on) a certain community, shouldn’t you also be prepared to stand up for the issues that matter to that group – or face the fallout if you don’t?
As Orlandi sees it, all of Utah’s recreational communities, especially runners, must participate in these discussions: “If you believe running isn’t political, it may be time to reflect on the privilege that allows you to take these spaces for granted.”
Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Southern California. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at Mindbodygreen and the fitness and wellness editor at Women’s Health. Kristine’s work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men’s Health, Health, and Refinery29, among others.
