New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced its virtual and digital experiences for Global Running Day on June 3. This year’s observance will digitally unite people across the world to encourage physical wellness, strengthen community and offer support.

As part of these efforts, thousands of runners will participate in a one-mile virtual race, the NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M. Additionally, NYRR will host several interactive opportunities including a social media challenge, online community programming, and interactive digital and social experiences to engage the running community.

“Global Running Day connects people from all over the world around the positive impact running can have on our lives,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO, NYRR. “During these times, it’s more important than ever that we appreciate how running safely can help strengthen us both physically and mentally. On June 3, we’ll celebrate our sport of running with a number of virtual opportunities for people of all ages and abilities while honoring our frontline heroes and those close to us who are battling the effects of COVID-19.”

The following are ways that runners of all ages can be a part of Global Running Day:

NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M
Virtual races allow runners anywhere in the world to run a race at their convenience in the location of their choice over a specified period of time. Registration for the NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M launches on May 19, and runners can participate from May 28 through June 7. Runners who register for the virtual race by May 31 will be entered into a sweepstake for a one-on-one virtual coaching session with Olympic medalist and New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi on Global Running Day as well as receive a free year of Strava Summit. This virtual race is part of NYRR Volvo Virtual Racing Powered by Strava, which has had more than 140,000 finishers since its launch in 2018.

Global Running Day Social Media Challenge
The Global Running Day Social Media Challenge calls on runners to run one mile or complete an at-home exercise. Participants will run a mile for someone that inspires them and tag a friend to do the same. Participants are encouraged to post a photo or video and tag #Run1Tag1 and #GlobalRunningDay as they celebrate and run across the globe together in a worldwide game of virtual tag.

Rising New York Road Runners Active at Home
To keep children physically active during these times, Rising New York Road Runners developed Active at Home, a free digital resource that provides fun activities and games for kids, families, and teachers to implement at home. NYRR enlisted the help of Olympians Jenny Simpson and Beverly Ramos to lead these online classes. During the month of June and in recognition of Global Running Day, a virtual challenge will take place for children to pledge to take part in the online activities.

NYRR Striders at Home
NYRR Striders, the organization’s year-round senior fitness program, has developed an online platform to support seniors and their families and caregivers, keeping them active from the safety of their homes. NYRR Striders at Home aims to improve attitudes toward exercise while making fitness more accessible. All the activities are mindful of space and social distancing.

Digital Programming and Social Chats
On Global Running Day, NYRR will live stream chats and discussions on NYRR social and digital platforms including a Facebook Live show speaking with runners, professional athletes, and notables to discuss how they are celebrating running safely and responsibly.

Donate to the Mayor’s Fund
NYRR said its community’s healthcare workers are on the front lines, risking their lives every day to help. Many of these same doctors, nurses, emergency responders, and medical professionals support runners at NYRR events. To help heroes on the front lines, NYRR has supported the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. The running community can help as well by donating to the Mayor’s Fund in support of the many New Yorkers who need critical assistance during these unprecedented times.

Around the world, running organizations are executing celebrations to bring people together through running. Runners can pledge on GlobalRunningDay.org. Last year, nearly 18,000 virtual runners from 177 countries participated in the NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M.

Logo courtesy NYRR