Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

YouTuber Family Sparks Backlash After Making Their 6-Year-Old Son Run A Marathon With Them

YouTuber Family Sparks Backlash After Making Their 6-Year-Old Son Run A Marathon With Them
@fightfortogether/Instagram

Kami and Ben Crawford, the influencer parents behind the popular family YouTube channel Fight For Together, are under fire after having their six-year-old son Rainier run a marathon with them and their other five children.

On social media, the notion of a kindergartener running a 26.2-mile race struck many as unconscionable, with some even accusing the Crawfords of child abuse.


It all began with a series of posts the Crawfords made on Instagram, like the one below in which they described their efforts to essentially bribe their son with Pringles to overcome his physical struggles to complete the marathon.

In their caption, the Crawfords wrote:

"On the marathon course, Rainier... was struggling physically and wanted to take a break and sit every three minutes."
"After 7 hours, we finally got to mile 20... He was crying and we were moving slow so I told him I'd buy him two sleeves [of Pringles] if he kept moving."
"I had to promise him another sleeve to get him in the family pic at the finish line."

The backlash was almost immediate from people who were disturbed by what the Crawfords described, with even bold names in the sport of running speaking out against the Crawfords decision, including two-time Olympic medalist runner Kara Goucher.

Stating what seemed to many should be obvious, Goucher wrote:

"I don't know who needs to hear this but a six year old cannot fathom what a marathon will do to them physically."
"A six year old does not understand what embracing misery is."
"A six year who is 'struggling physically' does not realize they have the right to stop and should."

Three-time Australian Olympic medalist Lee Troop also spoke out against the Crawfords.

During an appearance on Good Morning America, the Crawfords said they did not force Rainier to run the marathon and that it was Rainier's idea, despite what many felt their social media posts seemed to indicate.

Regardless, the uproar became so strong that the Crawfords say Child Protective Services visited their home unannounced and questioned their children on the basis of what they say are made-up accusations of abuse on social media.

The Crawfords excoriated both Goucher and Troop for ginning up the outrage and demanded they "take responsibility" for creating a "witch hunt" against them.

But on social media, it seemed very few people were on their side, with many convinced the Crawfords were using their son for social media clout.











For their part, the organizers of the Flying Pig marathon have defended their decision to allow Rainier to run the race, but said they will strictly enforce its 18+ age restriction going forward.

More from Trending

People Share The Worst Things A Medical Professional Has Ever Said To Them

We're not going to knock the medical profession: it's a tough and competitive field to break into and is mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding.

That said, they signed an oath to serve their patients, and it seems that some doctors have forgotten that by the time they get around to giving some of their patients "advice."

Keep ReadingShow less

Cancer Patients Share The Warning Signs That Alerted Them They Were Sick

I hate cancer.

Several of my loved ones were taken by it.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sarah Jessica Parker
Marc Piasecki/WireImage/Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker Explains Why She Refuses To Take Photos With Fans—And Reveals What She Offers Instead

From reading extensively to accepting only certain interviews, it's no secret that Sarah Jessica Parker values substance, intellect, and genuineness above superficiality, even if some of her past character roles would not agree.

Many celebrities would oblige if asked for an autograph, selfie, and possibly even a moment of their time to talk about a favorite movie or TV role. But it's well-known that Sarah Jessica Parker isn't one of those celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less

Things Rich People Do That Normal People Have No Idea About

Does anyone remember "The Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous?"

What a show!

Keep ReadingShow less
Vanessa Marcil with her son, Kassius Marcil-Green
@vanessamarcilmlovesk/Instagram

Ex of Brian Austin Green Claps Back at Homophobes

Vanessa Marcil recently took to Instagram to call out homophobic internet trolls who criticize her son, Kassius Marcil-Green, who is openly gay.

Marcil shares 23-year-old Kassius with her ex-partner and Beverly Hills, 90210 castmate Brian Austin Green. She joined the teen drama in its ninth season as Gina Kincaid, a love interest of Green’s on-screen character, and the actors dated from 1999 to 2003. Kassius is her only child.

Keep ReadingShow less