The Running Man Nebula is located just north of the more famous Great Orion Nebula. It is made up of a grouping of reflection nebulae designated NGC 1977, 1975, and 1973. It lies approximately 1,500 light years from the Earth. The blue color in the nebula is due to reflected light being scattered by the gas and dust in the nebula. The primary source of the illuminating light is the bright star 42 Orionis located just below the "running man" figure. The area of the Running Man is currently an active stellar nursery.
1 http://www.kopernik.org/images/archive/n1977.htm