Baltimore Furry Commits Itself To Inspiring Marathoners

His name is Nate Sweeney. On days like today, when people run 26.2 miles through Baltimore, he dons a full-body tiger suit of synthetic fur and blasts Survivor.

"People are just ridiculously grateful," Sweeney says. "It's the best possible thing to do for your karma - cheering for strangers in the middle of an absolutely miserable experience."

This year he's hoping to double the tiger experience, by having a friend in a white tiger suit join him.

It's not that Sweeney roots for any old thing. Orioles don't excite him. ... There's just something about the idea of an individual battling his own body and his own mind to reach a finish line that inspires Sweeney in a way that team sports do not. [ Baltimore Sun]

This is what's called a teachable moment, Cleveland.