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Global Running Day
1 June 2022
Global Running Day is an international observance, celebrated every year on the first Wednesday in June. This day commemorates the sport of running and encourages people to get up and go for a run – no matter the distance – to inspire them to start leading a more active lifestyle. Everyone is invited to join in, and anyone can do it. It is free, and all you need is running shoes, some water, and to submit your name on the Global Running Day website so that your pledge is accounted for.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner who is just taking their first steps, you are welcome to join in on one of the many running events happening on this day across the country. As an alternative, you can also just go out for a solo jog.
Even children are invited to participate. The Million Kid Run is the youth division of Global Running Day, and aims to get young people excited about exercise and teach them that being active is fun.
History of Global Running Day
This day was originally known as National Running Day, and was created in the United States. The first event happened in 2009 and was a success. This inspired organizers to take it to an international level, and create Global Running Day, in 2016.
Global Running Day was first celebrated on June 1, 2016, with 2.5 million people from 177 countries pledging to run 9.2 million miles. People who take part on this day are asked to share what inspires them to run, with many answers relating to staying healthy and fit, enjoying nature, or training for a marathon.
The Benefits of Running
Running for even just 5 minutes a day could help keep you healthy! Many studies show that there are infinite benefits to running, and you don’t even need to do it every day or for a long time or distance.
People who run tend to live longer than those who don’t, and even going for a run once a week can add 3 years to your life. To add to this, the years you do live are much healthier and productive because you’re staying active.
Running also helps reduce stress, improves mental health, and helps you sleep better, which you will notice will have an impact on all aspects of your life. Physically, it improves bone strength, lowers the risk of diabetes, reduces blood pressure, and can even prevent some cancers.
It is also a fun exercise! If you run outside you get to be in nature or get to know the area where you live in better, and while some prefer to jog alone, there are many running groups who get together to run where you can meet new people and make lifelong friendships.
