How to celebrate Global Running Day in the Triad on Wednesday
A preview of Global Running Day events in the Triad.
Runners and walkers and the Triad can take part in events Wednesday to commemorate Global Running Day.
Observances began in 2009 as National Running Day in the United States, embraced by national running organizations and road races.
They're also marked annually in the Triad, which like everyone else is trying to bounce back, and beyond, the 2019, pre-pandemic participation levels.
“Believe it or not, I think running is as strong as ever,” says John Dewey, owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Greensboro and High Point. “It's surprising that I can say that, but I think people want to be out there. I think they want to support their communities and all these great events that not only us but all of these other groups are putting on. Help support our community. Have a sense of belonging. I think that helped carry us through these tough times.
“We love to get out there,” he adds. “Running can be social. Running can be very private. Running can be therapeutic. It can be a workout. There's just so many great things about running, and I just think it's really strong right now.”
What you need to know about Global Running Day in the Triad (click on hyperlinks to learn more):
Twin City Track Club Global Running Day Challenge, Winston-Salem
What
A Community Mile run-walk followed by 1-mile races
When
5:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where
Bob Sosnik Track, Hanes Park, Winston-Salem
Cost
Free, but donations are encouraged to the Beat the Heat Charity Partner Fund, benefit Ainsley's Angels in the Triad and LEAD Girls of North Carolina
Notable
• The Community Mile, at 5:45, is designed for those wanting to run or walk their first mile.
• Heats will be set up in the races, scheduled to start at 6.
• Attendees can also take part in other events that are part of TCTC's Summer Track Series: 400 meters, 800 meters, 100 meters and a 2-mile cross country run inside Hanes Park.
What they're saying
"It’s going to be a fun local event for runners of all abilities to come and try their hand at the mile distance. We’re hoping for a good turnout to celebrate our wonderful sport on Global Running Day whilst also raising money for some great local charities!" – Sam Lloyd-Perks, Twin City Track Club.
More information/registration
The Big Run 5K, Greensboro
What
The Big Run and Matt's Run to Fight Hunger, a 5K road race
When
5:45 p.m. Wednesday
Where
Cost
$25. All proceeds will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
Notable
• A 1-mile fun run for youth ($15) will be part of the evening.
• Matt's Run to Fight Hunger was a celebration by Greensboro's Matt Ketterman of his streak of running every day for 23 years, or 8,699 days.
Runners also can donate, by cash or check, to Second Harvest at the Run the Boro event Saturday, starting at 7 a.m. at Revolution Mill, at Textile Drive and Yanceyville Street in Greensboro. Run the Boro is hosted by Thad McLaurin and RunnerDude's Fitness.
• Packet pickup will be 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at Fleet Feet Sports in Greensboro, 3731 Lawndale Dr., and 5-6 p.m. at the race.
What they're saying
“We like to use running as a conduit for doing good things with the community. That was one of the big reasons we teamed with Matt Ketterman, because his event has been such an amazing way to help provide Second Harvest with funds to help feed our community. And we just felt like why not use Global Running Day, that everybody can recognize the day that we want to go out and do some running to help our community. And that's really what it's all about. We want people to have an epic day where they can run but also have a day that their running helps other people.” – Dewey.
More information/registration
Elsewhere
Fleet Feet Winston-Salem: Double customer points, and a special announcement is forthcoming.
Kernersville Brewing Company Run-Walk Club, 6:30 p.m.: Discounts on selected beers.
Running Shorts resources
Click on the links below to get more information about running in the Triad.
