Is this some sort of weird gotcha or are you sincere?

Joint damage is not really statistically correlated with long distance running, and anyone targeting a sub 20 minute 5k is going to have their weight and form so dialed in, it probably is barely a risk at all.

My view, on top of what my sibling comment said, is that even if joint damage was a risk ( and it shouldn't be because I'm doing strength training with weights under a certified coach to prevent stress from going to where it shouldn't be), I'd rather take that risk than be sedentary, fat, and at home all the time like I was before I started running. I found a community on top of an activity I like. I found that I have goals beyond just my career goals. I got into coooking and baking because nutrition is important for an athletic lifestyle.