Women's Running magazine praised by readers after featuring a plus-size model jogging on its latest cover to prove that athletes come in all shapes and sizes 

  • The front of the August issue stars plus-size model Erica Schenk, 18, who is herself a runner
  • The magazine also features a piece on athletic brands that are expanding to produce more sizes for plus-size shoppers 

By Carly Stern For Dailymail.com

Published: 14:34 EST, 16 July 2015 | Updated: 15:46 EST, 16 July 2015

Women's Running magazine is stepping away from the super-skinny model mold by featuring a plus-size runner on its cover.

While fitness magazines traditionally spotlight only the most 'aspirational' bodies - those that are exceptionally slim and toned - Women's Running is using its latest issue to show that it would like all runners to feel able to see themselves within its pages.

So, as editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor told Today.com, they chose plus-size model Erica Schenk to star on the cover of the magazine's August issue, out next week.

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Breaking barriers: Plus-size model Erica Schenk appears on the cover of the Agust issue of Women's Running

Breaking barriers: Plus-size model Erica Schenk appears on the cover of the Agust issue of Women's Running

Jessica said that Erica, 18, was a natural choice for the cover since they had already been shooting her for a feature in the magazine spotlighting athletic brands that are expanding their ranges to include running clothes for more sizes.

The editor recognizes that most health and fitness magazines stick to skinny and muscular models, and that perpetuates the idea that women who exercise are all thin - which, she said, is not true.

'There's a stereotype that all runners are skinny, and that's just not the case,' she said. 'Runners come in all shapes and sizes. You can go any race finish line, from a 5K to a marathon, and see that. It was important for us to celebrate that.'

True athlete: The 18-year-old New York-based model has been running since she was a kid, and especially likes jogging in Central Park

True athlete: The 18-year-old New York-based model has been running since she was a kid, and especially likes jogging in Central Park

Plus-size spotlight: Erica was already being shot for a feature to appear inside the latest issue; the feature spotlights athletic brands that are making more plus-size clothing

Plus-size spotlight: Erica was already being shot for a feature to appear inside the latest issue; the feature spotlights athletic brands that are making more plus-size clothing

Erica herself is a runner, and has favored the exercise since she was 8. The New Yorker especially loves running in Central Park, where she can 'clear her head and think'.

And there are plenty of other women like her who relish working up a sweat - a fact which Jessica is aiming to represent in the magazine.

'I think that every woman goes to the magazine rack sometimes and feels like she can't see herself in the cover images,' she said. 'We wanted our readers to feel like they could see themselves in our cover.'

All-inclusive: Women's Running editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor said she wanted all readers to be able to see themselves in the magazine

All-inclusive: Women's Running editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor said she wanted all readers to be able to see themselves in the magazine

The publication's plan is certainly working, as fans have jumped at the chance to show their excitement about the latest issue.

'This cover makes me so happy! It helps me believe that I really can be a runner too!' said one woman on Twitter, while another added: 'I almost cried when I opened my mailbox and seen a thick girl like me ON THE COVER. Thank you. [sic]' 

Running store Fleet Feet Sports chimed in too, writing: 'Great cover of Women's Running Magazine! Finally a magazine that shows runners come in all shapes, sizes, and ages'.

Philadelphia-based running club City Fit Girls didn't mince words, saying simply: 'Nailed it.'

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