Little Rock Marathon along with major U.S. running organizations to host local events as part of national effort to get Americans moving


Little Rock, AR (April 1, 2009) — The United States running industry today announced an unprecedented unified effort to launch the inaugural National Running Day on Wednesday, June 3, to nationally and locally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. Across the country, 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.

Through a grassroots effort, the foremost road racing and track and field organizations from major U.S. cities—including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Little Rock, Denver, Eugene, and San Diego—in addition to national running organizations USA Track & Field and Running USA, are encouraging Americans of all ages and fitness levels to get out and run by hosting a variety of National Running Day activities, including professional athlete appearances, free running events, group runs, and clinics.

This unified effort is aimed at encouraging people to lace up their shoes and invite a friend to join them in experiencing the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of running.

“Everyone can run. That’s the message of this day,” said New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. “As an industry, we know first-hand how great running is. Millions of Americans have discovered that running is an easy way to feel better, look better, and live better.”

Runners can join in the National Running Day festivities by simply going for a run on June 3, then logging on to the national website and social media resources at runningday.org to download an “I’m a Runner/I Ran Today” Facebook button, interact with other runners, and find complete information. Resources available on the site will include information on local community events with running clubs and retailers, course-mapping tools, training tips, and other running-related information.

“This is a day to celebrate the most universal of all sports,” said USA Track & Field CEO Doug Logan. “By taking National Running Day into the virtual realm of social networking, we’re doing even more to expand that universe. You might be running toward a goal, running with a purpose, or even just running away from your problems. Any reason is a good reason to run, especially on National Running Day.”

“We are excited to be part of the National Running Day initiative,” said Little Rock Marathon director Gina Marchese Pharis. “Since our inception in 2003, our mission has been to get everyone in Arkansas healthier through running and walking. After eight short years, we are making strides towards accomplishing our mission, but we still have a long way to go.”

The Little Rock Marathon will be hosting several activities on June 3rd throughout Arkansas. More information about Little Rock Marathon’s regional effort is available at www.littlerockmarathon.com or go to www.runningday.org.

The Little Rock Marathon is a project of and benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.

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