May 7, 2018—Pledging for Global Running Day and the third annual Million Kid Run on June 6 is now open on the newly designed GlobalRunningDay.org. Runners of all ages and abilities can pledge to run on June 6 and add their name to the list of people from all over the world who are coming together to celebrate the sport on Global Running Day. Organizations around the world are currently mobilizing to plan events and, celebrations to bring people together through running on this day.

In 2018, New York Road Runners is celebrating 60 years of helping and inspiring people through running and will hold its ultimate celebration two days after its birthday on Global Running Day. NYRR will set up 60 finish lines around New York City and the world – in parks, schools, and iconic locations – to celebrate its 60 years. Professional athletes and special guests who have played a role in NYRR’s history will capture their “break the tape” moments across these 60 finish lines, while several other all-inclusive activations will take place across New York City’s five boroughs..

New this year globally, there is a “Build Your Team” module, allowing organizations, groups, and families to create their own teams, set goals, and communicate with team members via the module. Those pledging to run can choose to join a group or create their own group, or can also still pledge independently.   

In its third year, the Million Kid Run will once again aim to have a million kids around the world pledge to run on June 6, and once again will be about making fitness fun and inspiring kids to embrace running as a way to get moving and stay healthy.

Last year, more than 1.2 million people from 187 countries pledged to run 8.2 million miles on Global Running Day. The day received twice the number of media impressions compared to the prior year, with running activities taking place across the globe from New Zealand to New York. In 2018, more cities and countries are expected to activate on the day, with events ranging from fun runs to virtual races.

Many of the world’s top professional runners will be serving as role models and inspirations for the next generation of stars on the day, including three-time London Marathon and three-time New York City Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe.

“Global Running Day is such a wonderful initiative to spread the love and joy of running across the world,” Radcliffe said. “No sport is more inclusive or easier to take up, and the health and social benefits of running are immeasurable. Running has brought me so much, and I love nothing better than to share it with others.”

Thirteen-time Paralympic medalist and five-time New York City Marathon winner Kurt Fearnley, fresh off a Commonwealth Games marathon victory, is also serving as a massive supporter of Global Running Day by inspiring the next generation of elite wheelchair racers.

“Global Running day is fast approaching, and the world is brighter place when we’re able to get moving,” Fearnley said. “Start talking and make a pledge about how you’ll be running on Global Running Day. I’ll be in my racing wheelchair, knocking out some miles. That’s what my running looks like. However you are able to run, lock it in, and join me and other runners around the world to enjoy the magic and freedom of moving your body and check out how far or fast you can run. I think you may surprise yourself.” 

Running organizations and groups, individuals, school administrators, coaches, and parents can visit GlobalRunningDay.org to pledge, explore group runs and other events happening around the world, and find information on running activities for people of all ages and abilities. The world is welcome to engage with Global Running Day socially by using the #GlobalRunningDay hashtag and creating a customized Global Running Day bib. Global Running Day toolkits for events, communications and social media are also available on the website.

About Global Running Day

Global Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day for people around the world to celebrate the joys of running. It is a worldwide celebration of the sport, and a way for runners of all ages and abilities to share their passion for running and inspire others to get moving. The Million Kid Run on Global Running Day aims to get young people moving. The goal is to have a million kids around the world pledge to run on June 6, 2018. The Million Kid Run is about making fitness fun, and inspiring kids to embrace running as a way to get healthy and fit. Global Running Day is a collaborative effort of the most prominent running organizations around the world, with many of the top professional runners helping to share their passion for the sport with the global running community.