Episode 250: Raziq Rauf on Running Crews, Culture, and Community

Mario Fraioli | March 30, 2026

Raziq Rauf is the author of the forthcoming book, This is Running, and he also writes the popular newsletter, Running Sucks. Raz’ book, and his work in general, celebrates running as a sport, activity, and culture, and digs into the people, events, trends, and technology that push it forward.

I sat down with Raz in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles before the 2026 L.A. Marathon and we covered a wide range of topics, from the increased excitement around that particular event, to the evolution of run crew culture in that city, to the growth and strength of community in general. We also discussed his background as a journalist and a runner, how his relationship to running has evolved over time, why he started writing about running a few years ago (and how that led to the publication of his first book), and a lot more.

Raziq Rauf: Book | Newsletter | Strava | Instagram

the morning shakeout: Instagram | Twitter

Mario Fraioli: Website | Strava | Instagram

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Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford.