– **History**:
– Global Running Day was formerly known as National Running Day and started in the United States in 2009.
– The inaugural Global Running Day was on June 1, 2016, with over 2.5 million participants from 177 countries running over 9.2 million miles.
– New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, declared June 1, 2016, as Global Running Day in New York City.
– Meb Keflezighi, the 2014 Boston Marathon winner, led a group run from the Boston Run Base.
– The Atlanta Track Club organized a run around the clock event in 2016.
– **The Million Kid Run**:
– The Million Kid Run is the youth segment of Global Running Day to engage one million kids worldwide in running activities.
– In 2016, over 672,000 youths participated in the Million Kid Run.
– The focus is on making fitness enjoyable and encouraging kids to adopt running for health and fitness.
– The inaugural Million Kid Run saw students from various countries participating.
– **Global Supporters**:
– More than 100 organizations support Global Running Day and the Million Kid Run.
– Supporters include the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Atlanta Track Club, Boston Athletic Association, and International Association of Athletics Federations.
– Other supporters are Running USA, USA Track & Field, and various regional running groups.
– These organizations aim to promote running as a healthy and inclusive activity for people of all ages.
– The support network spans across different countries and regions.
– **References**:
– Sources for information on Global Running Day include globalrunningday.org and NYRR.
– Articles from various sources like My Best Runs, Competitor.com, and CNN provide insights into past events.
– The New York Times and Runners World have covered Global Running Day celebrations.
– References from media outlets like CBS New York and World Athletics highlight the impact of the event.
– Historical data and details about the Million Kid Run are available in the listed references.
– **Future Events**:
– Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Global Running Day was held virtually.
– The 2021 event will also be virtual and globally hosted by the New York Road Runners.
– A free virtual 1-mile event will run from June 1 to June 6, 2021.
– The event continues to adapt to global circumstances, ensuring participation while prioritizing safety.
– Virtual events allow for broader participation and engagement from a diverse global audience.
Global Running Day is a day that celebrates the sport of running. It is held annually on the first Wednesday of June. Participants of all ages and abilities pledge to take part in some type of running activity by submitting their names through the Global Running Day website. Global Running Day 2023 will take place on June 7.
| Global Running Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Worldwide |
| Celebrations | Running |
| Date | First Wednesday in June |
| 2023 date | June 7 |
| 2024 date | June 5 |
| 2025 date | June 4 |
| 2026 date | June 3 |
| First time | June 1, 2016 |