More than 1.2 million people from 187 countries around the world pledged to run more than 8.2 million miles as part of Global Running Day on June 7. Global Running Day, held on the first Wednesday each June, is an initiative that promotes health and fitness through running. Participation is free and participants can run as much or as little as they want.
The New York Road Runners (NYRR) hosted a plethora of events in all five New York City boroughs leading up to and on Global Running Day as part of their efforts to promote running and activity. One of the events was a Guinness World Record attempt for most people in a treadmill relay.
“Our mission is to help and inspire people through running so we think Global Running Day is a great opportunity once a year to really celebrate what we do every day which is getting people moving and running to be healthy and fit,” NYRR president and CEO Michael Capiraso said.
The event, which began 8 a.m. June 6 and lasted 36 consecutive hours, featured 250 participants from local running clubs, professional athletes, media personalities — including yours truly and music editor Ryan Kristobak running at 12:30 a.m. — and more.
“It’s a great feeling to be in New York celebrating Global Running Day,” said four-time Olympian and 2009 NYC Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi.
“Athletics have always been a big part of my life,” former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber said. “After I finished football and shrunk some weight off, running was the next athletic endeavor. I have fun; it’s an escape for me. So to encourage anyone to get out and run has been something I’ve been very passionate about over the years. Just go do it, even if you have to walk for a mile, but once you realize how cathartic it is with no one bothering you, it’s really relaxing any day.”
Michael LoRé 