Your argument above is that running (1) takes excessive amounts of time; and (2) costs money and is therefore "egocentric."
I'm arguing that all exercise, be it running, cycling, swimming, weight training, or team sports require time and money. Running is cheaper than most and it only requires as much attention as one wants to devote. One can spend just as much time playing team sports if one chooses.
Furthermore, team sports are very difficult to use as one's sole source of exercise due to the logistical difficulties of gathering a team of adults (with work and family responsibilities) every day to play. In contrast, I can run out my front door any time of day or night and get my exercise for that day.
Finally, I would argue that running, for most people, is devoid of competition with other people and therefore less fertile ground for pride which is the underlying motivation for most competitive sports.
The stickers, bragging, etc are an entirely different story but they do not detract from running as a form of exercise. In other words, don't throw out the baby with the bath water.