FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Running Day to Unite the Country Through Events and Activities
from New York to San Diego on Wednesday, June 3
Little Rock, AR (April 1, 2009) — The United States running industry today
announced an unprecedented unified effort to launch the inaugural National
Running Day on Wednesday, June 3, to nationally and locally promote running
as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. Across the country,
the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and
active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today's most pressing health
issues.
Through a grassroots effort, the foremost road racing and track and field
organizations from major U.S. cities—including New York, Boston, Chicago,
Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Little Rock,
Denver, Eugene, and San Diego—in addition to national running organizations
USA Track & Field and Running USA, are encouraging Americans of all ages
and fitness levels to get out and run by hosting a variety of National
Running Day activities, including professional athlete appearances, free
running events, group runs, and clinics.
This unified effort is aimed at encouraging people to lace up their shoes
and invite a friend to join them in experiencing the simplicity and
cost-effectiveness of running.
"Everyone can run. That's the message of this day," said New York Road
Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. "As an industry, we know
first-hand how great running is. Millions of Americans have discovered that
running is an easy way to feel better, look better, and live better."
Runners can join in the National Running Day festivities by simply going
for a run on June 3, then logging on to the national website and social
media resources at runningday.org to download an "I'm a Runner/I Ran Today"
Facebook button, interact with other runners, and find complete
information. Resources available on the site will include information on
local community events with running clubs and retailers, course-mapping
tools, training tips, and other running-related information.
"This is a day to celebrate the most universal of all sports," said USA
Track & Field CEO Doug Logan. "By taking National Running Day into the
virtual realm of social networking, we're doing even more to expand that
universe. You might be running toward a goal, running with a purpose, or
even just running away from your problems. Any reason is a good reason to
run, especially on National Running Day."
"We are excited to be part of the National Running Day initiative," said
Little Rock Marathon director Gina Marchese Pharis. "Since our inception in
2003, our mission has been to get everyone in Arkansas healthier through
running and walking. After eight short years, we are making strides towards
accomplishing our mission, but we still have a long way to go."
The Little Rock Marathon will be hosting several activities on June 3rd
throughout Arkansas. More information about Little Rock Marathon's regional
effort is available at www.littlerockmarathon.com or go to
www.runningday.org.
The Little Rock Marathon is a project of and benefits Little Rock Parks &
Recreation.
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