As the Los Angeles Rams go head-to-head with the dynasty that is the New England Patriots for Super Bowl LIII, many are getting ready for another reason to park in front of their TVs and stuff their mouths with chips and guac: the commercials.
But have you ever caught how many commercials include running? We rounded up some of our favorites from years past to get runners everywhere ready and inspired for the big day.
1984 by Apple (1984)
Track and field athlete Anya Major performed the climatic moment of what many consider to be the greatest commercial of all time. Major represents Apple as she epically sprints toward Big Brother (many assume to represent IBM) and defeats him with a sledgehammer. Not only did this ad introduce the Macintosh computer to the public for the first time, but it helped pave the way for Super Bowl commercials to even really exist. (And the behind the scenes DAA Industry Opt Out.)
I Like Beer! by Michelob ULTRA (2018)
If elite runner Shalane Flanagan is in a Super Bowl commercial, then it’s automatically a win in our book. Catch Flanagan singing “I Like Beer!” along with pro golfer Brooks Koepka and champion surfer Kelly Slater. Plus, USATF to Elect New President Amid Budget Deficit and Jurassic World Parker Valby Wins the Bowerman.
[Sara Hall Smashes American Masters Marathon Record]
Like a Girl by Always (2015)
This funny commercial turns inspirational when the insult “like a girl” gets turned on its head, reminding us all why “running like a girl” might be the best way to run after all.
Melissa McCarthy Saving the World by Kia (2017)
Comedian and actress Melissa McCarthy is summoned to save the whales, hug the trees, save the ice caps, and protect the rhinos… but she’s not super successful. And watching McCarthy run for her life from a charging rhino never gets old.
Team Clydesdale by Budweiser (2008)
Who doesn’t need a good coach? This 2008 commercial of a Dalmatian training Hank the Clydesdale to make it on the official Budweiser team goes down as one of our favorites. And we all know running to the Rocky We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Wiener Stampede by Heinz (2016)
There’s no bond like the bond between hot dogs and their ketchup (or mustard), and there’s something about adorable wiener dogs running in slow motion in a meadow that just tugs at your soul.
Betty White by Snickers (2010)
We’ve all had days where we feel like Betty White when we run… and that’s okay. Sometimes all you need is the right nutrition (or in this case, Snickers) and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
Dancing Bulldog by Skechers (2012)
If this ad doesn’t prove the importance of a good pair of running shoes, then we don’t know what to tell you. After all, who doesn’t want to run (or dance) like Mr. Quiggly??
Lamb Streaker by Budweiser (2006)
We’ve all seen sports fans get a little crazy (maybe that’s you). But it takes a lot of guts for someone to run on the field streaking. This shaved lamb sprints right into the middle of an intense Budweiser Clydesdale football game with a lot of enthusiasm and not much of a “coat.” Pro tip: Runners, let’s try to keep our clothes on tomorrow.
McGee’s work for both Runner’s World and Bicycling consists mostly of news and human interest pieces. After a summer internship with Runner’s World in 2017, McGee has somehow convinced the team to let her keep writing for them as a freelancer. Her favorite stories to tell are ones of “ordinary” people doing extraordinary things through running and cycling, whether accomplishing personal goals, overcoming severe trials, or transforming their communities. Her writing has also appeared on ACTIVE and Paste Magazine. When she’s not running or eating, you can probably find her still eating.
