A simple running hack: don't try to convince another person to take up running. Motivation has to come from within them. If you become preachy it's going to turn others off. Your friend will either want to become active or not. Trying to turn them onto running is like preaching to a wall. The best way to get a beginner excited about running is by inviting them to run a race together. That's what got me started.
You could also recommend to them some good reading material like -- cough, cough -- this blog. The greatest challenge they face is not necessarily starting but sticking with it. You can coach and encourage them, but only they can decide what they will do with their bodies.