Today marks the fourth annual National Running Day. It’s held on the first Wednesday of every June, for the uninformed.
If they can have a National Doughnut Day (you missed it; that was June 1st) or a Banana Split Day (on June 8th), why not celebrate something that helps to promote health and well-being, as well as a sport that keeps millions of people fit and sane.
At least that was the motivation behind this event, which was organized by a coalition of running groups, including the New York Road Runners, the Boston Athletic Association, and the U.S.A. Track and Field. (Running clubs across the country have organized various activities.)
The Running Day site has a running (that’s right!) commentary from visitors on why they run.
Running has been my passion for many years. And I was heartbroken when I had to temporarily give it up after injuring myself training for the New York City marathon two years ago and undergoing two arthroscopic hip injuries to repair torn labrums. I am slowly returning to the sport: last weekend I ran over a mile and a half on the track at a 10-minute pace.
I run for many tangible reasons – social, health, convenience. But there are other reasons that I can’t quite put into words. For me, when both feet leave the ground, it’s the closest thing to flying.
Today is national running day so don’t go to the chiropractor tomorrow ’cause they’ll be slammed w\/ everyone in need of a re-alignment.
Good point, ACF! Let us all remember the sacrifices made that day.
More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded on “D-Day,” and so began the march across Europe that ultimately defeated Hitler.
Is it a coincidence or purposeful that National Running Day is the same day as World War II’s D-Day? No matter the answer, when we observe our National Running Day today, we should also remember those young men who ran up onto the beaches of Normandy, France, 68 years ago to their death or injury for the freedoms we enjoy today.