This marathon ad is making people sit up and take notice, but for all the wrong reasons

By: Riya |
January 3, 2018 5:38 pm

Advertising is a rather creative field. Creators have the opportunity to give out messages that can change the world and make a difference and while we’ve seen some amazing ads over the years, we’ve seen some major debacles too (the Pepsi ad with Kendall Jenner, for instance).

Talking about horrible ads, stand up comedian Rahul Subramanian recently pointed out something that’s terribly wrong with an billboard that was supposed to advertise a ‘Powai run’ marathon.

Here’s what he tweeted out:

Boss: So we need to promote the Powai run. Any ideas?

He: How about we use a supermodel on the poster?

Boss: Not an athlete?

He: No.. A female supermodel

Boss: Okk.. We will show her running right?

He: N0o.. Even better. Lying on the floor & smiling

Boss: Great. Let’s do it pic.twitter.com/Xw8V968Ric

— Rahul Subramanian (@RahulSubramanic) January 2, 2018

Yes, instead of putting up anything that’s remotely related to any sport at all, the advertisers decided to put up a picture of Elsa Pataky aka Thor’s wife. The best part? She’s just casually chilling there. Nope, she’s not even wearing running shoes. Here’s the original image:

Campaña @Gioseppo campaign. #workingmum #shoes #fun #elsapatakyforgioseppo pic.twitter.com/oYB022eckW

— Elsa Pataky (@ElsaPataky_) March 4, 2016

When Subramanian pointed this out, here’s how people on Twitter reacted:

Hahahahahaha.#FlatsAreTheNewSportShoes

And I am sure people will do it because GORI ladki ne pehna hai.

— Hardik Shah (@hardikkshahh) January 3, 2018

Hahahahahahahaahahahaha
I can’t even!
Help!

— Swati Tripta Sharma (@Stweeder) January 3, 2018

Because that’s what we’d rather be doing at home instead of going to the Powai run.

— Scarlett Singh (@stickerless) January 3, 2018

_ _ _ _ this is how it works!!

— Himalaya Kankariya (@iammhimalaya) January 3, 2018

hahah …not sure why Hiranandani had to use this bait to make people run.Would like to meet the brand Mgr behind this masterpiece

— Pramod Arora (@bolpramodbol) January 3, 2018

If I participate in this marathon….does it make me a “tharki”

— Tau$€€f (@Tauseef12356591) January 3, 2018

_ One should never hire this ad management team. They are not fit to be in this industry.

— Jacob B (@Jacobji) January 3, 2018

I think this run is the only solution to avoid the horrifying traffic of jvlr

— SauRabH JaiSwaL (@SaurabhJ4U) January 2, 2018

Looks like she is farting, that will make people run.

— Ayush (@Isco_Magia22) January 2, 2018

Ready, set, pose?