The body-positive running movement we should all be talking about – Runner’s World (UK)
The body-positive running movement we should all be talking about Runner’s World (UK)
NurPhotoGetty Images
Yesterday, Bryony Gordon, along with a host of celeb friends and regular runners, ran through the streets of London in their underwear, as part of the ‘Celebrate You’ campaign at the Vitality London 10K. Proving there’s no such thing as a ‘runner’s body’, these women have empowered runners everywhere and reminded us all that running is far more than PB’s and physical appearance.
Journalist and podcaster Bryony Gordon and plus-size model Jada Smith ran the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon in the underwear, with the aim of inspiring more women to take up running and feel confident in their bodies. Both were overwhelmed at the positive response, and are now inspiring more people to get into running by tackling a more achievable distance.
For the ‘Celebrate You’ campaign, Gordon was joined by Loose Women presenter Andrea McLean, podcasters and cancer campaigners Deborah James and Laura Mahon, mum and author Giovanna Fletcher and Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorne, known as the comedy duo, Scummy Mummies.
Post-race, the reaction on social media was amazing, with women sharing comments like, “I ran in the celebrate you group . I can’t tell you how nervous I was coming up from Kent , them met up with the incredible inspiring ladies who were on the group and my nerves disappeared, by the time I had finished I was walking around Green Park in my pants and bra like it was the most natural thing in the world . Thank you @jadasezer & @bryonygordon for this most liberating experience…I feel fantastic.”
Another runner wrote, “What an amazing achievement this was for us all. Totally humbling, inspiring and incredibly liberating to share in such an occasion. ?? I ran the London marathon from you inspiring to live my best life and today we equally as rewarding… felt like we were doing something for the sisterhood! Thank you for putting yourselves out there and bringing us all along for the ride. Together we are stronger!”
A huge well done to everyone involved.
Fancy running in your underwear? Here’s the Runderwear kit they wore: