The Running Week followers deepfake video — Oct 2026
The Running Week uses AI-generated personas to pose as expert Kenyan coaches to sell training books and plans to hundreds of thousands of followers
- Reported date
- Oct 2, 2026
- Target
- The Running Week followers
The exact incident date was not established. This entry is dated by its source report.
What happened
The Running Week, an Instagram and TikTok account with hundreds of thousands of followers, utilizes AI-generated personas to dispense running advice while posing as an expert Kenyan coach. The account features a nameless man who claims to share training secrets from Iten, Kenya, often standing in front of iconic local landmarks. However, observers noted static backgrounds that cycle through repetitive actions, such as a recurring car, and odd movements characteristic of AI-generated video. The account, founded by digital entrepreneur Matteo Sargenti, uses these fabricated personas to sell running books and training plans. Despite the lack of verifiable credentials or lived experience, the account has garnered significant engagement, including interactions from professional athletes and coaches. While Instagram offers an optional AI-generated profile label, the account did not use it consistently, and the creator has not responded to inquiries regarding the use of AI. Experts warn that this practice relies on manufactured credibility to monetize attention, potentially exposing followers to health misinformation or injury risks by presenting unverified, AI-generated guidance as authentic expertise.