When Mark Carney stepped into the spotlight as Canada’s new Prime Minister, it wasn’t just his economic credentials that caught attention. Eagle-eyed observers noted his choice of footwear: the Tracksmith Eliot Runner, a nod to his enduring passion for running.
Carney’s affinity for running is actually quite well-documented.
In 2015, at the age of 50, he completed the London Marathon in an impressive 3 hours, 31 minutes, and 22 seconds, significantly faster than the average for his age group.
This performance marked a 17-minute improvement over his time at the 2011 Ottawa Marathon.
Beyond marathons, Carney participated in the 2013 Winterlude Triathlon in Ottawa, which includes an 8K skate, a 5K run, and a 5K ski. He completed the 5K run segment in 23 minutes and 42 seconds, showcasing his versatility and commitment to fitness.
The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is more of a statement than running shoe.
Tracksmith’s Eliot Runner is the Boston-based brand’s first venture into performance footwear, designed as a modern update to the classic daily trainer.
Built with a dual-layer Pebax foam system — a softer insole for immediate step-in comfort and a firmer midsole for propulsion — the shoe balances cushioned support with a responsive ride.
With a 9mm drop, a breathable engineered mesh upper, and a durable rubber outsole, it’s crafted for runners who log daily miles but appreciate understated, heritage-inspired design.
Retailing at $198, the Eliot Runner signals a quiet luxury, favored by serious runners who want performance without the flash.
Athleticism in Political Leadership
Across modern history, athleticism has often been used by political leaders as a shorthand for vitality, stamina, and relatability — traits that voters, consciously or not, tend to associate with effective leadership.
Mark Carney, through his visible affinity for running, joins a well-established tradition. In Canada, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau masterfully leveraged physicality as part of his public brand: sparring sessions in boxing gyms, shirtless hikes through Gatineau Park, and casual jogs that “accidentally” intersected with marathon events became routine photo-ops.
These moments painted Trudeau not just as a cerebral politician but as someone youthful, energetic, and, crucially, relatable.
South of the border, George W. Bush leaned heavily into running as a symbol of discipline and perseverance. During his presidency, Bush logged six-minute miles and completed the Houston Marathon with a time of 3:44:52.
His morning runs with Secret Service agents weren’t just personal exercise—they became a metaphor for his self-image as a determined and decisive leader.
Barack Obama, while more associated with basketball than running, also used sports to great effect, blending athleticism with a cool, modern style of leadership. Pickup games with staffers and shooting hoops before key primary votes offered a glimpse into his competitiveness and his ease under pressure.
In contrast, leaders who eschew physical culture—most notably Donald Trump, who publicly criticized exercise as unnecessary—have sometimes faced criticism or ridicule for seeming out of touch with broader societal values around health and vitality.
