Racing is ONE way of sticking with running. If it works for you, that's great. If it doesn't, I don't see a problem with making the point that running is a big activity, with room for lots of different ways to go about it.
I've been running for close to a decade. I don't race. I run. It can be done. Probably more runners do not race or do not race regularly, than do.
I'm thrilled for the women here who've found racing to be a motivator, but I think that sometimes their entirely justified pride in their accomplishments maybe gives a one-sided view of what running is. One doesn't need to do 10-mile long runs or train for marathons or even race 5Ks to be a runner. All one needs to do is run-- tie on your shoes, strap on a bra, and head for the sidewalk. When you get tired, stop and walk. Run again when you feel better. Then do it again in a few days. And keep doing it. Abracadabra, you're a runner.
I'm not seeing hostility in expanding the hows and whys.