Global Running Day
Farzad Rahbari
Foreign Dept. Specialist and Social Media Manager at Info and Trade Group (ITG)
Get pumped and get those legs moving as the first Wednesday in June is Global Running Day — on June 5 this year. Whether you’re a regular runner or a bit of a novice, it doesn’t matter, this holiday is about inspiring each other to lead a more active lifestyle, no matter the distance covered. This celebration is open and free to everyone. Simply grab your running shoes, a bottle of water, and get your legs moving!
History of Global Running Day
Global Running Day started in the United States in 2009, although at the time it was referred to as National Running Day. The inaugural Global Running Day was held on June 1, 2016. On that day over 2.5 million runners from 177 different countries took part, running an estimated 9.2 million miles between them. We get out of breath just thinking about all that running.
The day aims to get everyone moving and be more active and champions not just the physical health benefits of running but also the mental health benefits it can have too, such as reduced anxiety.
The Million Kid run has also become a huge part of Global Running Day. This is the youth division of Global Running Day and aims to have over a million kids from across the world take part. By making fitness fun they are hoping to inspire our future generations to remain healthy and fit.
The 2020 Global Running Day was made more challenging due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. With some of the traditional events paused due to social distancing recommendations, many were taking part with a virtual team or participating in the “Tag 1 Challenge” on social media.
If you’re looking for that extra bit of motivation then look no further, Global Running Day is here to stay and there’s a huge community to give you that extra bit of fuel in your feet.
Global Running Day Timeline
2009 - And So It Begins
The first-ever Global Running Day event is held.
June 2016 - Running for a Cause!
More than 2.5 million people from 177 countries vowed to run more than 9.2 million miles on the day the image was held.
2016 - Children Take the Lead
672,030 children from the Million Kid Run participated in Global Running Day.
2020 - Pandemic Pause
Events were paused due to the global coronavirus pandemic but many took part in online challenges.
Traditions
Global Running Day aims to encourage people to run more and essentially to lead more active lifestyles. The day is centered around running, but it isn’t necessarily just that. It can be anything from walking your dog, racing with your kids, or participating in marathons. The holiday is quite new so there aren’t any time-honored traditions, but as long as you are running and having fun, it’s all good!
Global Running Day by Numbers
1 out of 6 – people who jogged at least once in 2020.
13.9 million – the number of road race finishers in 2011.
170% – the percentage increase in the number of road race finishers over 10 years.
59,838,621 – the number of race miles run in the U.S. in 2020.
55% – the percentage of women who accounted for road race finishers in 2019.
518,000 – the number of Americans who finished a marathon in 2019.
$2.46 billion – the amount spent on running shoes in 2011.
Global Running Day FAQS
How is Global Running Day celebrated?
Participation in Global Running Day is as simple as taking a walk around the block. The aim is to encourage running and physical activity.
Is there a National Running Day?
Yes, each year on the first Wednesday in June, National Running Day is celebrated.
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Is it National or Global Running Day?
Global Running Day and National Running Day are one and the same thing.
Global Running Day Activities
Go running
Run a couple of laps in the neighborhood, take your dog out for an extra-long walk, or call your friends and go for a run in the park. It doesn’t matter where you do it, just go for a run.
Register for a race
Convince your friends and family to join you in participating in a community race. 5k run, anyone?
Get kids involved
Running is a good way to make fitness fun for kids. You can incorporate activities and games to get them active and engaged.
Facts about Global Running Day
Slight name change
Global Running Day was formerly known as National Running Day.
Community run
2014 Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi led a group run from the Boston Run Base.
Global Running Day in Atlanta
The Atlanta Track Club put together a “run around the clock” event so that at least one person from the Atlanta area would be running every hour of Global Running Day.
Races
In 1990, only 25% of road race finishers in the U.S. were women. Now the ladies make up more than half of road race finishers.
U.S. marathons
The average men’s finishing time in U.S. marathons is 4:26. The average women’s finishing time in U.S. marathons is 4:52.
Why We Love Global Running Day
It creates bonds and relationships
What better way to build stronger relationships with your loved ones than going on a fun run?
It’s fun exercise
It’s fun, it’s active, it’s healthy. Not only is running beneficial for us physically, but it has mental health benefits too.
It’s in June
Warm weather, longer days, summer vacation. What more do you need?
Quote of the Day
Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.
- Sophocles
Article proofreading, substantive editing, copy-editing, and formatting by : Farzad Rahbari
Date : June 5th, 2024