It’s the first Wednesday in June and the internet is all abuzz because it is National Running Day in the U.S. As polite Canadians often do, many are sending best wishes to their American friends. Some are even announcing it to other Canadians on Facebook, Twitter and running forums, adding that, yes, they know it is an American day, but that they love running and wish to participate as well.
A bunch of us here at iRun were talking about it this morning, and the discussion went like this: someone said, “Do we have National Running Day in Canada?” Then someone else said, “No. There’s an international version called World Run Day, but no National Running Day in Canada. Maybe we should start one….”
You can probably guess what happened then.
We’ve decided iRunNation deserves a uniquely Canadian National Running Day. Our question to you: When should we celebrate National Running Day? Should it coincide with National Running Day in the U.S.A., or should it stand alone? In what season should we have it, and on what day?
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I always thought that the Running Room’s Annual 20 Minute Run held in July was national running day in Canada because it is people all across the country joining together to running.
Ok, if you REALLY want it to be a CANADIAN national running day, I suggest February 1st! You can’t get much more Canadian than running mid-winter in sub-zero temperatures on snow and ice, covered head-to-toe. Of course that might dissuade some people from participating but if you are a TRUE CANADIAN RUNNER then you run outdoors year-round. C’mon, put on your yak-trax, your winter running pants and wicking liner, wool socks, wicking shirt, top-layer tech shirt, windproff jacket, mitts, balaclava, neck warmer. We’re tough. We’re dedicated. We’re Canadian, eh?
I definitely think we should have a Canadian national running day but not on the same day as the US. We are a distinct country and should celebrate our uniqueness. I think it should be sometime in April or May because we have a climate that may restrict people from running outdoors in February. I wouldn’t want to exclude our 3 territories or some of our northern communities in our provinces where the weather can be unpredictable in February or March.
I would suggest May 24 as it is always a long weekend and the weather is more likely to be in everyone favour, not too cold nor too hot. How many people do anything special on Victoria Day besides fireworks….
It is no joke, but I think it should be April 1……..after most of the snow and ice has left us, it is time to start running outside. Let’s call this the National Running Day as we shed the warm gear for shorts and tees and enjoy the warmer sun. Now we can start our running programs and start training for our first run of the season. What a better way on April 1 to encourage the nation to start running and enjoy physical activity that most just need a pair of running shoes.
I posted this same question earlier today. We should have an InterNational Running Day as running is a sport that is recognized and appreciated in around the world. Of course, this would make finding a date a little trickier but it could be done.
I think our national running day should be held on Canada Day (July 1st) because it is a nationwide holiday so everyone could participate!
Our National Running Day should coincide with the September Terry Fox Day which already has a great following as well as strong inspiration and purpose.
Yes, good idea to have Canada Running Day. I think it should be stand-alone and not coincidental with any other pre-existing celebration, which would reduce the impact or dilute the existing event. Terry Fox Day is about the Canadian Hero and the battle against cancer. Canada Day is just that, not Canada and Running Day.
Just my humble opinion.
Happy running!
living in lotus land…every day is running day!! haha..but seriously, we should have our own day….spring is good…beginning of a new season.
I agree with Jeff, we Canadians should definitely have our own running day on a date that has no affiliation with any other holiday. A date during a non snow/cold/ice month would be best so that everyone can participate and may even spark “non-runners” to get started.