Here—apparently provoked by how today’s runners are motivated by money—Hermens veered into politics. Like many long-haired, anti-establishment, free love advocates of the 1960s, Hermens followed his dreams and says he didn’t care about money. He was an anarchist, in a good way—maybe a peaceful anarchist—and thought everyone should do what they want. He likes the ideals of socialism, but said socialism has never worked in practice because a few people in power got greedy and ruined it. Even though he now owns a business, makes money, and wears a suit, he doesn’t feel like a capitalist. “You can write, ‘Hermens, the humanist anarchist, says he will not force Sub2 down anyone’s throat.’ They can do it if they want to, or not. I personally am not in it for the money, although there may be a little bit of money to be made,” he said, gleefully raising his capitalist eyebrows. But then, more seriously, “This Sub2, it’s my dream.”
Deadspin, “Jos Hermens Explains How He’s Going To Find A Sub Two-Hour Marathoner”
