I agree that people get in their zones, as I wear head phones too when I run.  But, I always make a point to make eye contact and a quick hand wave to anyone I pass or run by.  And if someone passes me, I always nod out of respect for their ability to run faster.

Life is too short to not be civil and courteous to each other.  As I was giving it all I had today in last mile of my first HM, someone I passed said "way to finish strong".  Boy did that make me feel good and help keep my energy up.  I waved back at him to say thanks.

No matter how many fellow runners ignore my gestures, I will keep doing it.  Running is such an alone sport at times, but when we all take the 2 seconds to wave, say hi, or smile, it can feel like one big team event where everyone is on the same side. And who doesn't feel good when someone smiles back?

Take the high road, smile, and keep waving!

I always nod, smile, wave or say hi/good morning/etc. as I pass close by another runner.  Obviously I don't wave and shout across the street, but if we are passing within inches of eachother on the sidewalk I certainly offer a pleasantry.  I almost always get one back (or the other runner initiates) but when there's no response, I don't let it bother me (too  much).  I still won't stop being polite. 

Francessmom, sorry to go off topic, but I see you did a mud run in Media which is my home town!  Where did they hold it?  And assuming from your race list you live in the greater Phila area - do you know of any good 5k's the last week of June or first week of July?  I may be coming down for a vist and it would be fun to fit in a race while I'm there.  Thanks!

I agree, its a southern thing . I don't do to much on the track, but when I do, I'm usually the only crazy one out there running the stairs of the stadium and the track. Its hard-wired in our DNA . Good ole' southern hospitality.

I remember on one run (flat beach point back to point) I was pleasantly going along and couldn't understand why not one runner would reciprocate my friendly eye glance fellow runner gesture that I have always done...well I understood when I turned around at the end of the beach to run back and the sun was directly in my eyes...It was miserable. No joke the sun was so strong my eyes were so squinted I will blame any early signs of crows feet on that one day :) I've also had runs where I'm really trying to hit a certain pace and feel like I'm ready to puke. The Pope could have passed me and I probably wouldn't realize it.

Its always nice to make a friendly gesture, I just don't let it bother me if I'm ignored, for the reasons above :)

I agree Francess, it is just plain rude.  Hopefully, the other factors that we have all suggested are contributing influences that could explain some of the reasons.  However, I have noticed a pervasive arrogance that seems to be infiltrating our beloved sport of running over the past several years, and it is not overly inviting or positive. 

Perhaps I am taking greater notice of the habits of fellow runners or paying more attention during race events, but I feel a responsibility to encourage others while also mentoring newcomers.  It seems that the sense of unity is typically defined in groups, smaller cliques of competitors or organizational members, for example.  This is fine for connecting some, but does not really promote any sort of broad outreach or recognition to pull us all together as runners. 

I will continue to acknowledge all runners (walkers, joggers, bikers and so forth).  I applaud their efforts and think we should share in celebrating our abilities. 

Thank you for initiating this wonderful discussion on an important topic!

I always smile and/or nod my head when passing other walkers, runners, etc.  I even get the attention of, and waive to, drivers who pull up to a cross street in my path so as to decrease potential dangers.  I typically don't say anything to other runners as talking while running is kind of a foreign concept to me (as in, I struggle mightily to do it). 

I'll admit that I find runners who don't acknowledge another runner's existence when passing going the opposite direction and sharing the same basic space of earth to be rude, boorish and somewhat off-putting.  Having said that, however, one thing I've learned in my 46 years on this planet is that you never really know what's going on with someone at a particular moment in time so I try not too judge too harshly.  Maybe they're so "in the zone" that they don't notice me.  Maybe they have incredible turmoil going on in their life and are in such deep thought that my utterly forgettable face doesn't register on their radar. Maybe they're so worn out from their run that they have neither the energy nor the inclination to acknowledge me.  Conversely, there are a plethora of rude, boorish people in society and maybe you just happened to have encountered a larger-than-normal sampling of them "in the wild".  Who knows.

Don't get discouraged by other runners' lack of acknowledgement, and certainly don't take it personally. It's certainly not a reflection on you since they don't even know you.  Just continue being one of the "considerate people" out on the trail.