Running Times

Running Times first appeared in 1976. It started as an alternative to Runner’s World. Ed Ayers, Rick Platt and Phil Stewart, all runners, objected to what they saw as the blatant commercialization of the sport in magazines such as Runner’s World. In 2007, the magazine celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Like Runners World, Running Times is a magazine published by runners for runners. The staff is or was once, all runners. Materials include articles on fitness, training, nutrition, race information and variable products.

Running Times magazine also provides readers the chance for input into the magazine. There are feedback sections and letters. A runner can contribute without being a professional writer or photographer. There is a monthly “Should’ve Been There” section where runners of all stripes record their personal race experiences. The lack luster and even mediocre and boring blow-by-blow articles, reminiscences and running logs that emerge from many of these contributions, indicates the weakness of this magazine.

The major difference between Running Life and Runner’s World is in its approach. Runners World has a strong editorial staff that shifts, sorts and tightens its material. Running Life is, sometimes, too egalitarian for its own good. Its strength and finesse lie elsewhere.

	More Info

Where Running Life excels is in its nutritional information and guides on products. It offers advice on almost everything to do with running. Its shoe guide even cites prices. The coverage of racing events and tours is always extensive. A perfectly practical and applicable magazine, Running Times is an excellent source of information. What it lacks, however, is readability. It is didactic and almost monotonal in its approach.

Running Times lacks the sophistication of Runners World, but it does offer its readers some interesting and pertinent information. Whether you like Running Times seems to be a matter of personal preference. Some individuals find the approach of Runners World too slick, too commercial. They prefer Running Times. Others find Running Times to be too straightforward and instructive. It tries to educate without sufficient literate incentive. Furthermore, while reader in put is admirable and can be helpful, if you are bored to tears or cannot relate to someone’s almost illiterate ramblings, the article will repel you. Whatever your feelings on the subject, you can obtain a Running Times magazine subscription.

A further note - in February 2007, the publishers of Runners World purchased Running Times. The impact of Rodale upon Running Times is something to watch in the future.