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- First Wednesday of June
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Global Running Day inspires people worldwide to embrace an active lifestyle every first Wednesday in June. Lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, or join a virtual race to celebrate the joy of movement. Share your run with friends and inspire others to get moving!
Want to sponsor Global Running Day? Learn how
Expected Global Running Day Deals
As a holiday focused on promoting health and activity, Global Running Day encourages participation over commercial deals. However, many running-focused brands and organizations often host events or offer special incentives. Look for virtual races and charity runs organized by groups like New York Road Runners, the founding organization. Retailers such as Fleet Feet and REI may offer discounts on running gear, shoes, and apparel. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Brooks Running often highlight new products or community challenges. Local running clubs and gyms might offer free trial classes or group runs to encourage new participants. We will update this page with confirmed live events and promotions as June 3 approaches.
Platform Guide for Global Running Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GlobalRunningDay. Share photos or short videos of your run, whether it’s a scenic trail or a quick jog around the block.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #GlobalRunningDay. Create a fun video showcasing your running routine, a post-run stretch, or tips for new runners.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GlobalRunningDay. Share your running goals, favorite routes, or motivate others to join the movement with quick updates.
Global Running Day Hero
Kathrine Switzer
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
The first-ever Global Running Day event is held.
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.
672,030 children from the Million Kid Run participated in Global Running Day.
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 The 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
When is Global Running Day?
In 2026, Global Running Day falls on Wednesday, June 3. It’s the perfect mid-week opportunity to get outside and celebrate the joy of movement, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out.
How many people participate in running globally?
Millions of people worldwide engage in running regularly, with estimates suggesting over 60 million individuals participate in road races annually. Global Running Day aims to unite many more in this shared activity.
What are the health benefits of running?
Running offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger bones and muscles, better mood, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. It’s an accessible way to boost overall well-being.
What is the history behind Global Running Day?
Global Running Day originated as National Running Day in the U.S. in 2009, with the New York Road Runners (NYRR) playing a key role. It expanded to a global event in 2016, emphasizing worldwide participation.
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.
Five 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?
Social Media Tips for Global Running Day
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