8 Ways To Celebrate Global Running Day (Wherever You Are)

Written By Julie
A brunette woman with a ponytail is running outside on a clear day with trees and a grassy field in the background. She is wearing a purple racerback tank top, black shorts, has white earbuds in, and a black phone armband on her left arm.

Global Running Day, an annual event held on the first Wednesday of June, is all about coming together to celebrate movement, motivation, and the joy of running. It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing a PR or just enjoying a walk around the block. What matters is showing up for yourself and your well-being!

Not sure how to join in? Here are 8 simple and fun ways you can celebrate Global Running Day from anywhere.

Go For A Run Or Walk

No surprise here! The best way to celebrate running is just to get moving. Whether it’s a long trail run or a quick lap around the neighborhood, getting out there is what it’s all about. No pace is too slow and no distance is too short.

Sign Up For A Virtual Race

Can’t make it to a local event or they’re all sold out? No problem. There are plenty of virtual 5Ks and fun runs you can sign up for online, like the Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 5K that’s live now until June 8. With virtual races, you’ll get the race-day excitement with the flexibility to run on your own time and turf.

A diverse group of five women smiling while outdoors surrounded by a grassy field and trees. They are wearing exercise clothes and have race bibs on. Two are high fiving each other.

Run With A Friend

Everything’s better with a bestie. Invite friends and fam to join you for a run or walk. You’ll get to catch up, share some laughs, and sneak in some movement too. Feeling competitive? Host your own race with DIY bibs, medals, and of course, lots of bananas. That’s a win for both your health and your social life.

Try A New Route

Been running the same loop forever? Switch things up. Explore a different neighborhood, find a local park, or even run your usual route in reverse. A new view can bring a fresh spark of running inspiration. Check out MapMyRun Routes to plan ahead and maybe even map out some sweet GPS art.

Reflect On Why You Run

Take a few minutes after your run to think about what running means to you. Is it your stress relief? Your time to clear your head? A way to stay active? Tuning into your “why” makes it feel more meaningful and can also serve as a reminder on days you need a little extra motivation.

A man sitting outside on a pedestrian bridge wearing a gray t-shirt and sepia shorts is smiling while looking at his white phone in his right hand. He is holding a half empty plastic water bottle with his left hand.

Share Your Run On Social Media

Use hashtags like #GlobalRunningDay and #WhyIRun to post your route, your sweaty selfie, your fit check, or a quick story about your journey or why you love running. You never know who you might inspire with your post. Get creative with your videos by using 360 action cameras, mini clip body cams, drones, or phone gimbal selfie sticks.

Give Your Body Some Love

Don’t skip the stretch! Celebrate your body with some post-run TLC. A good cooldown, some foam rolling, or even a bit of yoga can go a long way toward boosting recovery and overall well-being.

Set A New Goal

Use the energy of Global Running Day to plan what’s next. Maybe you want to run more regularly, sign up for a race, or try a new distance. Setting a goal can keep the momentum going well after the day is over.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Global Running Day is all about recognizing the joy, strength, and sense of community that running brings into our lives. Whether you're logging your first mile or your hundredth, you're part of something bigger that celebrates movement, health, and well-being. So get out there, move your body, and most importantly, have fun with it. Happy Global Running Day!

Julie
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