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Runner Completes 5K Inside Airplane Bathroom, Sparks Backlash Over In-Flight Etiquette

March 2, 2026
By
Anna F.

​A viral video showing a runner completing a 5K inside an airplane bathroom has ignited debate online about fitness stunts and public courtesy.

​Dom Stroh, founder of Retreature, posted a clip on Instagram appearing to document the unusual feat during an approximately 11-hour flight.

In the video, Stroh sets up a camera in the corner of the aircraft lavatory, starts his watch on Strava, and begins running in tight loops within the confined space. At times, he is seen stepping onto the toilet to maintain momentum as he circles the small cabin.

​On-screen data at the end of the clip shows a total distance of 5.53 kilometers, a pace of 10:46 per kilometer, and an elapsed time of 59:32.

​The caption reads “MILES high club,” a play on words that quickly helped the post gain traction across social media platforms.

​While some viewers praised the commitment and creativity, others criticized the decision to occupy a shared restroom for nearly an hour on a commercial flight.

​Commenters questioned the impact on fellow passengers, noting that airplane bathrooms are limited and essential facilities.

​Stroh is not the first runner to experiment with unconventional 5K challenges. Social media creator Jacob Abrams Cohen has previously drawn attention for completing 5Ks on household objects and other unusual surfaces, typically within private settings.

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