Pledging Now Open for Global Running Day and First-Ever Million Kid Run on June 1

HOUSTON (May 2, 2016) — Global Running Day, a day for people all over the world to celebrate the joys of running, is set for Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Global Running Day is the evolution of National Running Day in the U.S., which was started in 2009 by leading running organizations and races throughout the nation, and has been held annually on the first Wednesday of June ever since. Global Running Day will feature the most prominent running organizations around the world coming together to share their passion for the sport and inspire others to get moving. The centerpiece of Global Running Day is the first-ever Million Kid Run that aims to have a million kids around the world pledge to run on June 1.

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With the elevation to Global Running Day in 2016, distinguished running organizations worldwide will be participating, including the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Atlanta Track Club, Boston Athletic Association, Competitor Group, Houston Marathon Committee, International Association of Athletics Federations’ Athletics for a Better World program, New York Road Runners, Running USA, USA Track & Field, and more. Runners from marathons and other races in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Mumbai, New York, Prague, Tokyo, and more, will play active roles in Global Running Day. Many of the top professional runners from around the world will also be a part of the day, and help share their passion for the sport with the global running community.

“The Houston Marathon Committee is proud to be one of the founding members of National Running Day, and we are thrilled that the initiative has grown and evolved into Global Running Day this year,” said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee and Houston Marathon Foundation. “We launch our open Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon registration annually on this date to celebrate running because of the many positive attributes it provides to individuals and communities world-wide.  The Houston Marathon Foundation is committed to creating opportunities for children to be exposed to the benefits of this sport, and we are excited to support the Million Kid Run.”

Pledging for Global Running Day and the first-ever Million Kid Run on June 1 is now open on globalrunningday.org. Runners of all ages and abilities can pledge to run on June 1, and add their name to the list of runners from all over the world who are coming together to celebrate the sport. Groups and individuals, kids and adults, able-bodied runners and athletes with disabilities can all pledge to be a part of Global Running Day.

The first-ever Million Kid Run is the centerpiece of Global Running Day, and aims to get young people moving. The goal is to have a million kids around the world pledge to run on June 1. The Million Kid Run is about making fitness fun, and inspiring kids to embrace running as a way to get healthy and fit. After adults make their pledge, they can get their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and students to choose their running activities and be a part of this global initiative to get active. From a school administrator pledging students, to a youth coach pledging their running team, to a parent pledging their child, kids around the world will come together to celebrate the power and benefits of running and fitness.

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 all abilities for adults and youth. They can also connect with Global Running Day socially via #GlobalRunningDay, and customize a Global Running Day bib and finisher certificate.

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 1, 2016. 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.