Can Running Influencers Be Trusted? Raziq Rauf on Journalism vs. Paid Promotion

Raziq Rauf has spent more than 20 years working in journalism, from covering music to building his own running media platform, Running Sucks, and writing the book This Is Running. He joins Jon to unpack the increasingly blurry line between journalism, influencer marketing, and paid promotion in the running industry.

They discuss what happens when brands fund the content we consume, how creators can maintain credibility while making a living, and why trust matters more than follower counts. Drawing on their experiences at UTMB and across the running industry, they explore the difference between telling stories and selling products, the responsibility that comes with having an audience, and what brands should consider when choosing who represents them.

They also get into representation in trail running, Raziq's recent conversation with Kilian Jornet, and how media can contribute to meaningful change beyond selling the next pair of shoes.

Stay Connected:

Raziq on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raziqrauf

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