Global Running Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of June, which is June 7 this year. This holiday is about encouraging one another to lead a more active lifestyle, regardless of running experience or distance traversed. This event is open and free to the public. Simply grab your running shoes and a water container, and start moving your legs!
WHEN IS GLOBAL RUNNING DAY 2023?
Global Running Day is annually observed on June 2.
HISTORY OF GLOBAL RUNNING DAY
Global Running Day was first celebrated in the United States in 2009, under the name National Running Day. On June 1, 2016, the inaugural Global Running Day was conducted. On that day, more than 2.5 million runners from 177 nations ran an estimated 9.2 million miles. We become out of breath just contemplating all of that running.
The day seeks to get everyone moving and more active and promotes not only the physical health benefits of running, such as reduced anxiety, but also its mental health benefits as well.
Global Running Day has also become an integral component of the Million Kid Run. This is the juvenile division of Global Running Day, and more than one million children from around the world are expected to participate. By making fitness enjoyable, they hope to inspire future generations to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.
The 2020 Global Running Day was made more difficult by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Due to social distancing recommendations, some traditional events were postponed, and as a result, many people participated with virtual teams or in the “Tag 1 Challenge” on social media.
If you’re looking for extra motivation, there’s no need to look any further; Global Running Day is here to stay, and there’s a large community to give you that extra boost.
FIVE FACTS ABOUT GLOBAL RUNNING DAY
Slightly altered name
Global Running Day was previously referred to as National Running Day.
Community based
Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon, lead a group run from the Boston Run Base.
Global Running Day in Atlanta
The Atlanta Track Club organised a “run around the clock” event so that at least one runner from the Atlanta area would participate in Global Running Day every hour.
Races
In 1990, only 25% of U.S. road race finishers were female. Now, more than half of road race finishers are female.
America marathons
The average finishing time for American men in marathons is 4:26. The average finishing time for American women in marathons is 4:52.
GLOBAL RUNNING DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | June 2 | Wednesday |
| 2022 | June 1 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | June 7 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | June 5 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 4 | Wednesday |
