World Running Day (01/06)

In 2009, a holiday started in the United States, which in 2016 acquired the international character of – World Running Day. It is celebrated every first Wednesday in June and its popularity is not accidental.

Born in the United States and celebrated by all sports athletics communities in the country, the holiday was supported abroad. This is not just a holiday for track and field athletes. Very soon the idea arose to make it worldwide in order to attract – to running as one of the simplest and most accessible sports, helping to maintain a healthy lifestyle, – millions of ordinary people around the world, as well as support those who have already loved running, and for whom it has become an integral part of life. It was accessibility and simplicity that made running such a popular and widespread sport among millions of people.

Officially held for the first time at the international level in 2016, a year later the holiday brought together participants from more than 170 countries, becoming one of the largest sporting events.

Any person or sports community can take part in the holiday, and this participation can be either voluntary and free, or official. The fact is that the organizers of the holiday created their own website globalrunningday.org, covering all events as part of the celebration of World Running Day, its program for the current year. Anyone wishing to officially take part in the celebration of World Running Day can register on the website, informing about the distance they are planning for the run, as well as the place of the run. Here you can also see a list of registered participants and even teams.

The main events are held under the motto «Overtaking the sun». This project was created with the participation of leaders of the IAAF (International Organization of Athletics Federations). The idea is that the participants of the holiday will run runs simultaneously in different time zones, gradually passing the baton from one place on planet – to another located in the next time zone. The run starts in New Zealand, from where it goes to Australia, Japan, Europe, Africa, South and North America.

All participants of the race have the opportunity to participate in the flash mob held annually and dedicated to World Running Day, as well as post photos from the race online with their participation or the participation of their friends on the hashtag #GlobalRunningDay. This is also one of the ways to implement the main idea of the – holiday to unite people who love running around the world.

Every person who is aware of the value of life and strives to maintain a healthy lifestyle can also join the celebration of World Running Day. To do this, you just need to put on sneakers and run any distance you choose for yourself.

Each athlete-athlete encourages people who are starting to run « to be drawn into classes gradually, observing certain rules, and also taking into account the individual characteristics of the person, his physical condition, so that running exercises bring only benefit and joy, and do not upset him with injuries and fatigue.



• Infographics – poster «First Wednesday in June — International Running Day»

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