WSER Honors Running. Paris Celebrates It.

analog #18 | Running Through Juxtaposition | Sport creates meaning. Culture distributes it

Jun 26, 2026

This week, running is celebrating itself in two very different ways.

At Western States, the mood is quiet and reverent no matter how loud. It’s the most sober and somber expression of what running can mean.

In Paris, the mood couldn’t be more different. Running spills into parties, exhibitions, conversations, and clothing. The energy is playful, expressive, even excessive at times. But underneath it all is people gathering because running has become meaningful enough to build culture around.

Alban from Allseasons stands in front of Bandit’s showroom at PFW.

Western States reminds us why we run.
Paris Fashion Week asks what running becomes after the finish line.

I’ve been thinking about it while crafting a documentary on Ciele’s story and history. Twelve years ago, they seemed to recognize that running wasn’t only a sport. It was becoming a cultural identity. Looking back, that feels less like good branding and more like an early glimpse of where running was headed.