I’m with Princess Anne: A swollen knee later and ‘fun runs’ can jog on

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Princess Anne criticized the term "fun run," stating she no longer finds running enjoyable and agrees that endurance events like ultra-marathons are inherently challenging rather than fun. Her remarks highlight the physical and mental demands of long-distance running, reinforcing the serious nature of such athletic efforts compared to how they are sometimes perceived by the public.

Princess Anne recently sparked discussion with her candid remarks on the concept of "fun runs." Speaking to Kevin Sinfield, an England rugby union coach undertaking a series of seven ultra-marathons in as many days to raise funds for motor neurone disease charities in memory of his friend Rob Burrow, the Princess Royal dismissed the term "fun run" as a contradiction in terms. She emphasized that running is not an activity she associates with enjoyment, stating she no longer runs for fun.

Sinfield had expressed a wish for adverse weather during his challenge, suggesting that rain might better convey the difficulty of such a feat to spectators, who might otherwise perceive it as a leisurely event. Princess Anne concurred, reinforcing the idea that endurance running, particularly over ultra-marathon distances, is far from enjoyable.

The Princess’s comments resonate with a broader sentiment among many athletes and former runners who describe running as demanding and often painful rather than pleasurable. While some highlight the post-exercise "runner’s high," they acknowledge that the physical effort involved rarely feels fun in the moment. Observations shared include the grimaces commonly seen on runners’ faces and the fatigue that frequently accompanies the sport.

The conversation also touched on the broader use of the word "fun" in various contexts, with some labeling it a term often applied ironically or inconsistently. Examples cited range from amusement parks to small-sized chocolate bars bearing the "fun" label despite being perceived negatively by consumers.

Personal experiences underline the Princess’s perspective on running and physical activity. One account recalls a severe knee injury that drastically curtailed previous enthusiasm for jogging, illustrating the physical toll that exercise can sometimes exact. This personal narrative emphasizes that for some, running transitions from a source of health and vitality to a painful ordeal.

Princess Anne, known for her straightforward and unvarnished remarks, has a history of making pointed comments that reflect her practical and no-nonsense approach. Her recent statement on "fun runs" continues this pattern, encouraging a more realistic understanding of endurance sports and the challenges they entail.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.