I think it's fair to be concerned about a person running along a highway in the middle of a desert miles away from anything. I also lived in the middle of nowhere, and if you see someone walking along the highway they probably need help.
Highway means a main road connecting significant destinations.
Freeway means a multi lane, restricted access, motor vehicles only, type of road.
Freeways are almost always highways as well.
Highways are, more often than not, NOT freeways.
For example, in the bay area: Highway 101 is built to freeway standards all the way through the bay area. I seem to remember as a kid some sections south of Gilroy were not freeway but that's since been rectified.
In contrast, highway 82 is just a highway and not a freeway, consisting mostly of El Camino Real.
While walking on an interstate highway is illegal, state highways depend on the local laws. I pictured the race on those kinds of highways, not freeways, but I have no clue what the route is.
Yeah, but I doubt anyone is picking a route on an interstate. Imagine walking on an entrance/exit ramp, it's terrifying. I think I did it as a kid, but the idea seems so nuts that I somewhat assume I made up the memory.
Rofl, the most American thing. Cops pulling you over just because you're running at the side of the road.