The Finish Line?
WHEN AN INTERNET CRAZE dies, does it end with a whimper or a bang? Viral videos of athletes doing the #RunningManChallenge, a simple dance move set to the 1990s classic "My Boo" by Ghost Town DJs, have spread from a New Jersey high school to the steps of the White House. The sensation was fast out of the blocks, but quickly ran its course. The heat tracker below jogs through the life cycle.
1 The Start
Maryland sophomore guards Jaylen Brantley and Jared Nickens post to Instagram, ending with, "Who wanna battle?"
2 The Jump
The Terps up the ante, dancing in a bathroom, a convenience store and on a median strip.
3 The Bandwagon
Players from Louisville, Marquette, Miami, Providence, Virginia Tech, UNC, Wisconsin and the UConn women's team, among others, debut videos.
4 The Pros
After a Game 1 win in round 1 against the Hornets, Heat rookie forward Justise Winslow posts.
5 The Network Show
Von Miller and his DWTS partner, Witney Carson, take the RMC mainstream.
6 Peak NFL
Charley Casserly, 67, damages the RMC on NFL Total Access.
7 The Finalists
Cavs guards Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert show off their footwork.
8 The Concessions
The Dodgers incorporate popcorn, bringing a salty snack to complement their sweet moves.
9 The Euros
Bayern Munich players chime in with an odd improvisational vibe.
10 The End
Villanova players RMC hard during their White House visit, declaring the challenge over as they do.
[The following text appears within a chart. Please see hardcopy or PDF for actual chart.]
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