Several events are planned in the Tennessee Valley Outsider region on June 5 to celebrate the 2024 Global Running Day “Big Run 5K.”
Global Running Day began in 2009 as National Running Day, a celebration of running and walking. It began in the United States, and expanded worldwide in 2016 as Global Running Day. It typically is celebrated on the first Wednesday of June with a 5K run-walk event and other activities.
This year’s festivities are Wednesday, June 5, in most cities. Some have events on the weekend. Brooks Running and Michelob Ultra are the presenting sponsors. They and Fleet Feet, which hosts many of the events, typically have some awesome medals, shirts and other swag along with fun events and games.
Here’s what’s going on this year and how you can celebrate Global Running Day 2024.
Big Run Huntsville
Fleet Feet Huntsville is hosting the first of two local events, at 6 p.m. at John Hunt Park on the running course.
The evening includes the 5K, live music from the Beasley Brothers, a cookout, beverages and Baskin Robbins ice cream. Several local vendors will have exhibits set up, too.
Bib pickup is Tuesday from 12-6 at Fleet Feet Huntsville in Jones Valley. The first 100 to get their packet will get a free pair of Feetures socks. There is no on-site race day registration.
The Big Run 5K is for runners and walkers. Don’t stay away if you don’t run. Come have fun and hang out.
Race proceeds will help Black Girls Run and Girls on the Run organizations.
Registration: click here
Big Run Madison
Fleet Feet Madison is hosting the second local event on June 8 — that’s on Saturday — at 8 a.m. at Palmer Park.
Park at the park and walk across to the Bradford Creek Greenway. It’ll be mostly shady and should be somewhat cool early in the morning. If you’re looking for a quick time, this is a nice, flat course.
Gerald Tamez of New Market won the 2023 event, which had 228 finishers, in 20:41. John Murray of Harvest won the 2022 race in 19:06. A monstrous thunderstorm rained out the 2021 event.. Booooo!
The Big Run 5K is for runners and walkers, so don’t stay away if you don’t run. Come have fun and hang out. You’ll be able to get some coffee and waffles from Just Love Coffee, Sno-Cones, beverages, and visit with Burn Boot Camp, StretchLab, Return2Sport, Light on Yoga and Anytime Fitness.
Packet pickup is Friday from 12-6 at Fleet Feet Madison on Hughes Road.. The first 100 to get their packet will get a free pair of Feetures socks. There is no on-site race day registration.
Race proceeds will help Black Girls Run and Girls on the Run organizations.
Registration: click here
Run/Walk at Lululemon Bridge Street
Christy Scott, a Lululemon ambassador and owner of Fitness on the Move, will lead a 1- and 3-mile run/walk on June 5 for Global Running Day.
The event will start and end at Lululemon in Bridge Street. It will be a fun event — no racing or chip timing — with running and walking options. The goal is to get moving and have a good time.
It begins at 7 a.m. at Lululemon in Bridge Street. Arrive a few minutes early to warm up and learn about the routes.
Kaelie Harris will lead a free yoga session at 7:45 a.m. at Lululemon.
Pub Run at The Nook
The weekly Pub Run crew will celebrate Global Running Day at The Nook on Bob Wallace Drive in Huntsville
It starts at 5:30 p.m. so get there early to park and get directions. Runners and walkers are welcome, and there are 3- and 5-mile routes. Wear bright clothes for visibility.
Afterward, stick around to enjoy a bite and cold beverage. The Nook has more than 400 beers from around the world, 80 on tap, and more . The food and bevs are on your dime. The weekly Pub Run is free and usually attracts more than 140 attendees.
Run CHA 5K
The Chattanooga Track Club is celebrating with the Run CHA 5K on Saturday, extending Global Running Day by a few days.
It will begin at the Shelter No. 2 at Chickamauga Dam on June 8 at 8 a.m. Overall and age group awards will be given, along with raffle goodies and fun stuff. Run Rhino will handle chip timing.
Registration: click here
Big Run Knoxville
The Big Run 5K timed race and a fun run 5K will be June 5 in Knoxville.
Both are set for The Cove on Northshore Drive, with an out-back on the greenway. The fun run begins at 6:30 a.m. and the timed 5K begins at 7 a.m.
Pickup is Tuesday at Fleet Feet Knoxville. The timed event will have age and overall awards.
Registration: click here
