Anime Fans to Participate in Naruto Run
If you’re a fan of anime… or really, just someone invested in pop culture… then you’ve doubtlessly heard of Naruto. The animated saga of a teenage ninja has sparked a thriving fandom the world over. Something particular about the characters of Naruto is that, when they run, they bend at the waist and surge forward with their arms behind them. Some intrepid fans have pulled together Naruto runs, which are distance runs where participants run like the anime characters. Think that sounds too farfetched to happen in your backyard? Well, guess what, Philadelphia? The Naruto run is coming to town.
Anime fans can run like Naruto at a September event.
The style of running is iconic, although claims that it makes one run faster due to decreased wind resistance have been disputed. You can test it for yourself in person at the Naruto Run Down Locust Walk at 7 p.m. on September 10th. Runners of all ability and level of fandom are encouraged to come out to the Button on Locust Street where the crowd will gather as evening descends. At the stroke of seven, someone will yell “Dattebayo!” and the race will be on. To nobody’s surprise whatsoever, it’s been circulated that cosplay is highly encouraged.
The Philadelphia Naruto Run’s organizer, Reginald Lamaute, said that he hopes the event will be a success and will therefore become an annual celebration. Preliminary signs point to a positive outcome: according to Penn Live’s peek at the event’s Facebook page, “so far 1.6 thousand people have said they’ll be attending, with 6.4 thousand expressing interest in the event.”
Penn Live also linked to an informative, if hilarious WikiHow article on how to run like Naruto. There are seven in-depth steps, but the gist is simple: “Step forward with your right foot. Lean forward with your back straight, and keep your head up to see where you’re going. Hold both arms straight out behind your back. When you’re ready to run, think of your favorite Naruto fight scenes, and sprint forward!”
Get it, Naruto fans.
