June 6 is National Running Day. So be sure to get out there and run — or at least sign up for an upcoming race. Deals are out there!
National Running Day is held on the first Wednesday in June each year. It's a day simply to celebrate running. Cities and communities across the country hold special community runs — some for charity, some just because. In Portland, the Red Lizzard Running Club is organizing a 6-8 mile fun run, leaving from Macadam Fulton Pub, 618 SW Nebraska, leaving at 6pm.
In addition to organizing runs to celebrate running day, several race organizers are offering deals on June 6 only. For example, Competitor Group, which organizes the Rock and Roll Marathon Series, the Muddy Buddy runs and more such events, is offering $20 off the registration fees for many of its races. Run by Foot Locker is offering 20 percent off apparel and shoes. Others probably offer deals as well, so be sure to check out any race you're thinking about registering for to see if they offer a deal in honor of National Running Day.
Don't just celebrate on June 6 either. In Portland, ample opportunities exist for running this week and this month! Thursday, check out Fit Right NW's First Thursday Fun Run at 6pm — a scavenger hunt mixed with running around downtown Portland and of course, beer at the end. This Saturday, June 9, marks the 12th annual Helvetia Half and Widmer 10k in Hillsboro (registration is still possible). On Saturday, June 23, you can participate in the Great Urban Race or the Race for the Animals. And lots more races, including less "standard" ones, can be found throughout the state.
Of course, at the end of this month, don't miss the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene.
Portland is a great running town. It looks like the weather might even cooperate for a great run on Wednesday. Go celebrate, whether you've never run before or have run multiple marathons! As the National Running Day website says: "It's the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment."
For your next run — or happy hour — here are five factoids about running, courtesy of National Running Day:
- 43 million Americans consider themselves runners
- The "typical" American runner is 41 years old and has been running for 13 years (what are YOU waiting for?)
- In the last 10 years, 48% more people are running and walking
- More than 500,000 people completed a marathon in 2010 in the U.S.
- In the last five years, more than 5 million people have completed a half marathon in the U.S.
