Why run for the love of it when you could be making butter at the same time | Emma Beddington

‘Churning and burning’ is the latest trend in fitness – and all you need is trainers and a bag of cream. This could be just the start of a culinary CrossFit

There is a new entry in the overstuffed “What fresh hell?” category for 2026 – people have started making butter while they run. “You may be asking yourself why,” content creator Libby Cope says in one of the videos that kicked off this weirdness (yes, yes I am); “The real question is why not?” She and her partner then pour cream and salt into double-bagged zip-lock sandwich bags, which they put into their backpacks, before setting off, “churning and burning”.

After a few miles, Cope opens her bag to reveal she has made a bit of butter. They have kept up this weird new hobby and, according to Runners World: “Now, the couple has more butter than they know what to do with.” (Do they know how much butter costs these days? Sell it!)