National Running Day is June 1st

Now in its third year, National Running Day continues to connect runners of all ages and abilities in what is traditionally viewed as an individual sport. From May through June, runners can celebrate in a myriad of ways and it all starts at runningday.org where they can:

• Make a bold "I RUN…" statement and post it for all to see
• Support great charities through running
• Find or set up a group run to take place on Wednesday, June 1
• Discover fun ways to celebrate and win exclusive prizes
• Get tips to support friends who want to become runners

"Across the country next Wednesday, the sport will again celebrate running and the many positive benefits that it brings to our lives, and Running USA and its event and industry members encourage all runners and runners-to-be to embrace the day, to go for a run with a friend or group and to make their own 'I RUN…' statement on June 1," said Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO.

Last year, there were more than 100 National Running Day group runs and events from coast-to-coast, and new to the 2011 National Running Day festivities is a charity component. In recent years, runners worldwide have raised more than a billion dollars for great causes. Now they can continue their efforts through National Running Day by supporting charities close to runners' hearts - from getting sneakers on little feet to making it possible for people with disabilities to race.

Visit runningday.org and join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/runningday for all the latest news and activities.

ABOUT NATIONAL RUNNING DAY
National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that's simple, inexpensive and fun. It's the perfect way for long-time runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment. National Running Day is a collaborative effort of the foremost running organizations in the U.S. including Atlanta Track Club, Boston Athletic Association, Chevron Houston Marathon, Chicago Area Runners Association, Competitor Group, Inc., Little Rock Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, New York Road Runners, Oregon Track Club, Running USA, Twin Cities In Motion and USA Track & Field.COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (May 25, 2011) - People run because it feels great, but behind that feeling are a million different reasons. Some run to clear their heads, others to talk with friends. Some use running as a motive for traveling to far flung destinations, others to keep their waistlines in check. This year's National Running Day is a celebration of that passion and an occasion for runners to share the enthusiasm that gets sneakers laced and bodies out the door.