Races may be canceled, but running certainly isn’t! Global Running Day is on June 3 every year and this year, it looks a little bit different than in years past. Luckily, as runners we’ve been able to rely on this sport during the coronavirus crisis. And although the group runs and races look different, we’re still able to connect as a community and celebrate the sport we love so much. So lace up those running shoes discover the many ways you can celebrate Global Running Day virtually.
Join a Strava Challenge
Use Strava to give yourself a challenge. Either join an existing challenge or use this special occasion to hit a new PR on a local segment! Strava’s a great way to connect with your local running community while competing against your friends.
Try a Virtual Race
Whether you’re a miler or an ultra runner, there’s a virtual race for everyone these days! Find a race that suits your fancy and give yourself a challenge. Running virtually is certainly different than in a mainstream race setting, but it can be equally as rewarding. Get creative by drawing mile markers with colorful chalk and creating a finish line out of toilet paper or ribbon!
Call in a Run with a Friend
Running solo can get a bit lonely so instead of yet another run alone, call a friend! Plan your runs together and use the miles to catch up via phone.
Wear Your Favorite Race Shirt
Celebrate the day by wearing your favorite race shirt (the Charlotte Marathon…hint, hint). Use your run to remember the highs of finishing that race and snap a selfie post-run!
Organize Your Race Medals
If you haven’t embarked on a home improvement during quarantine, now’s the time! Use Global Running Day as a time to organize your race medals. If you find medals that you no longer want to keep, donate them to an organization like We Finish Together to give them a second life.
Listen to a Running Podcast (on the run!)
Connect to the greater running community by listening to a running-focused podcast. We may be biased, but we love the Running Around Charlotte Podcast! A few other top picks include: The Rambling Runner, I’ll Have Another, Ali on the Run, The Morning Shakeout, and Running For Real.Grab your favorite pair of headphones and enjoy some inspirational stories on the run.
Run for a Cause
Instead of running for yourself this Global Running Day, run for others. Dedicate your miles to an organization that means something to you and the sport. RunningWorks is a greal local one that uses running to benefit society.
Watch a Running Movie Marathon
Not feeling up for any mileage? Enjoy a different take on the marathon — a movie marathon! The Charlotte Marathon put together this great piece on all the best running movies from Forrest Gump to the more recent Brittany Runs a Marathon.
Donate Your Gear
Use Global Running Day as an opportunity to pay it forward. Do that spring cleaning you’ve been putting off and go through your old running gear, including shoes! Donating your old gear to Goodwill, Girls on the Run, or a local high school’s track team can be a great way to give someone else an opportunity to enjoy the sport.
Support Your Local Running Store
COVID-19 has been hard on local businesses and running stores are no exception. Celebrate Global Running Day by keeping your dollars in your community. If you need new running shoes purchase them locally instead of on Amazon and take advantage of curbside pickup so you can keep social distancing!
While this Global Running Day may not be filled with sweaty group selfies, we can still celebrate. Running is a sport that we’re so lucky to have during this uncertain time, so enjoy each and every mile!
