National Running Day, June 3

National Running Day is a collaborative effort among the major organizations within the running industry aimed at incorporating the sport of running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise.

From New York to San Diego, 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.

Congratulations to everyone who ran on June 3

National Running Day organizers and its partners used Facebook and Twitter to spread the word, with more than 7,300 people eventually collaborating in the National Running Day Facebook group. Online, runners posted pictures, video and reports from their run that day.

Locally, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Mayor RT Rybak of Minneapolis and Mayor Chris Coleman of St. Paul all signed proclamations announcing June 3 as National Running Day in Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul. In the Twin Cities, more than 250 people joined Twin Cities In Motion staff and board at six running stores and parks.

Each location featured runners from Team USA Minnesota, enthusiastic coaches and the chance to log between one and 12 miles to celebrate the day. "Our Life Time Fitness lead coaches were great," said one runner at the Highland Park Life Time Fitness event. "They organized the group into distances, then shepherded the runners as we ran to make sure no one was left behind." Thanks to everyone who ran on June 3! See you next year!

Connect with runners around the country

Visit runningday.org to download an “I’m a Runner/I Ran Today” Facebook button, interact with other runners, and find complete information about the day.  Resources on the site include information on local community events with running clubs and retailers, course-mapping tools, training tips, and other running-related information.

Join other runners on the National Running Day page on Facebook.

Tweet with other runners on Twitter.  Or share a photo or video from your National Running Day fun.