Taxi for Williams: Serena catches cab to charity run finish line

This much we know: midway through her own charity run, Serena Williams ducked off the course, jumped in a taxi and drove to the finish line. Question is, was that the plan all along?

Williams was taking part in the Serena Williams Live Ultimate Run in Miami Beach, Florida, a 5km and 10km fun run raising money for the Serena Williams Fund, which supports her chosen charities in both the United States and beyond.

Both Venus and Serena Williams started the 5km race, but while Venus went the distance – finishing in 31:47 – Serena was waiting for her at the finish, microphone in hand, cheering runners over the line.

In a Facebook video, Williams admitted she bowed out of the run early. “I didn’t run the whole way this year, but next year I will,” she said while performing her MC duties.

But while news outlets worldwide poked fun at Williams’ vehicular assistance, reports have now emerged suggesting she had not planned to run at all.

“On race morning, it was discussed that Serena would not be running the race this year and instead would serve as a host and announcer while Venus ran,” Runner Buzz Media marketing director Ken Nwadike told Runners World. “At the last minute, she decided to get a jog in to support the runners.

“Serena was offered a medal, and I personally heard her say ‘I didn’t run the race, so I don’t want the medal,’” Nwadike added.

So did Serena bail on the race, or go the extra mile to support her charity? This one could run and run and… Taxi!