From National to Global Running Day
Global Running Day, or National Running Day as it was originally called, is the first Wednesday in June. The first National Running Day kicked off in 2009 and changed its name from National to Global in 2016.
Once it became a global event in 2016, lovers of running from around the world celebrated their special day. In 2016 over 2.5 million people worldwide participated in the event. That first Global Running Day was observed throughout the U.S. with special runs led by celebrity runners.
Today over 100 organizations from around the world support Global Running Day. Some of the more famous organizations include USA Track & Field, Boston Athletic Association, Atlanta Track Club, and the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Potomac River Running’s Special Guest
How do I plan to celebrate Global Running Day? Oh no big deal, I’m just going to go on a run with Meb!
You read that right. Meb Keflezighi will be at my favorite local running store for a Q&A session, fun run, and ice cream social. Hopefully, my back will cooperate and allow me to do at least a little bit of the fun run so I can claim fame to running with Meb.
From Potomac River Running’s email invitation…
I’m super excited for a fun evening with running friends as we celebrate Global Running Day in a big way!
Questions
- • What are your Global Running Day plans?
- • What running celebrities have you met or seen at races or running events? ~ I’ve met Katherine Switzer, Bart Yasso, Jeff Galloway, and Alan Webb.
- • When did you first hear about Global Running Day? ~ My first documented Global Running Day was in 2013, the first year of my blog.
Oh, that is so cool, Debbie!! Let us know how the run with Meb went!
I only heard of Global Running Day through the US blogs. It’s not really a thing over here in Switzerland or generally in Europe. Let’s hope that this will change over the years to come.
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You know I will, Catrina!
I have run with Meb, too 😉 He’s usually at the Bix-7 (late July, Davenport, IA), so I’ve seen him there a couple of times …most notably after he’d won the 2014 Boston Marathon. Such a nice guy!!!! Have fun!
That’s so cool, Kim!
Meb definitely gets around these days! I have not had a chance to run since I left for my trip. I won’t be missing global running day though! Have a great one
Can’t wait to see your running pictures!
Sounds like you have an awesome plan for tomorrow!
Yes, and I can’t wait!
Oh that’s so cool! He’s been at a few running events for the Houston Marathon and I’ve heard he’s super nice. What a great way to celebrate Global Running Day!
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That’s awesome! I’m hopeful that I’ll get to meet him, but suspect there will be so many people there that it will be nearly impossible.
Okay, you win! I can’t think of a more exciting way to spend Global Running Day. Crossing my fingers that your back cooperates, and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thanks, Jenny! Even if my back cooperates and I’m able to “run with Meb,” I not so sure I’ll really have a chance to talk to him. I suspect there will be a lot of other runners there as well.
I actually saw Meb speak at my very first half. I didn’t know who he was — it was 2011, so before he’d won a major race.
I’ve met Deena Kastor, Dave McGillavray, Bart Yasso, Frank Shorter, and a few others that aren’t coming to mind right now.
I hope that you have a great time with Meb! I wasn’t planning to run, but since Kim reminded me of this, and I know that it’ll be a struggle to get in 3 runs this week, I think I’m going to do a short recovery run tomorrow. Even though it was really supposed to be my rest day . . .
You’ve met some cool runners, too! Just keep your run easy and short so you can join in on the Global Running Day fun!
I actually met Meb a few years ago at a Chicago Marathon event! He is the nicest person you will ever meet. I’ve also met Kathrine Switzer, who is my hero. It’s so fun to meet running legends! Looking forward to hearing about your meet-up.
That’s so cool to hear about Meb. Hopefully, I’ll actually have the chance to meet him and not just see him from afar. 🙂
How fun! I’ve never run with me but have met him a few times. He is such a nice guy! I hope you enjoyed the run and the ice cream.
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Yes, it was a fun evening!