The help desk is closed

One phenomenon that continually amazes me is the willingness of people to stop me in the middle of a run to ask for directions or other non-critical help of some kind. Don't get me wrong; I would never hesitate to stop and help a stranger who needs it, especially in an emergency. However, if I am in the middle of a run and there are many other people around, why do people feel the need to stop me? Do I look more friendly or knowledgeable than everyone else? Do I look like I need a rest? Can't people learn how to check street signs? We do have them in California...

Old guy in a van: "Excuse me..."
Me: (continuing to run, oblivious to O.G. because of my headphones)
Old guy again: "EXCUSE ME!"
Me (turning around): "Yes?"
O.G.: "Can you tell me how to get to 5th Street?"
Me (trying not to show my annoyance as I gaze up at the street sign next to us): "Well, you're on 6th Street right now. Turn right here and drive a block."

By far, the Asian tourists stop me the most. I think they like to ask me for help because the Caucasians look too scary.

Asian woman (waving her hand to stop me and handing me her camera): "Excuse, pik-chu plees"
Me (glancing around at the 50 other tourists within a few feet who are standing around doing nothing): "Sure, why not. It isn't like I'm busy or something."
Asian woman: "Plees, get stat-chu in pik-chu"
Me (sighing): *click*
Me: "Here is your camera back. Sorry about all the sweat on it; it happens sometimes when I'm in the MIDDLE of a RUN."
Asian woman: "Sank-yu"

Maybe next time I run, I'll wear a T-shirt that says "The help desk is closed".