Celebrate Global Running Day 2025 With Free Runs & Brand Events

What started as National Running Day in 2009, born from a collaboration among major U.S. running organizations, has since evolved into Global Running Day, an annual celebration of movement observed on the first Wednesday in June.

Now coordinated by World Athletics and supported by race organizers, local clubs and fitness brands around the world, the day encourages runners of all ages and abilities to hit the pavement, trail or treadmill in the name of community, health and fun.

While it remains grassroots at its core, Global Running Day has also become a key moment for brand engagement in the performance and wellness sectors. Here is what brands like Nike, Hoka and other retailers have in store for Global Running Day on Wednesday.

Nike

Nike is tapping into its studio network for Global Running Day 2025 with the debut of a new running-only class, Full Stride. While the weekly class formally launches Sunday, Nike is previewing the offering with a Global Running Day push: 50 minutes of uninterrupted treadmill running focused on building endurance and mental stamina. Nike Running Studios will feature the class at all locations, and social channels have teased the new programming with the tag line “One goal. More miles.”

Hoka

Hoka is anchoring its Global Running Day plans around both product and community. The brand is cohosting a 5K run in Greenville, S.C., with local retailer Run In. The free event invites runners of all levels to demo Hoka’s latest models — including the Clifton 10 and Bondi 9 — and celebrate with a post-run ice cream float bar, local vendors and live music. The brand is also introducing a limited-edition Run Club Capsule collection in pastel sherbet tones, providing a lifestyle-focused complement to its core performance line.

Additional Hoka-led events include a coastal group run in Santa Barbara, followed by a wellness-focused after party at the Deckers Brand Showcase, featuring local partners such as Restore Hyper Wellness, CycleBar and Santa Barbara Run Club. In Portland, Ore., runners can join Portland Running Company for a 3- to 5-mile community run with road and trail options, demo the Clifton 10 and Bondi 9, earn swag through trivia and cool off with an ice cream bar. And in San Francisco, A Runner’s Mind is teaming up with Hoka for a demo run of the brand’s newest models — including the Cielo X1 2.0 — complete with raffles and swag for the first 150 attendees.

Adidas

Adidas Running is teaming up with Los Angeles–based LSD Run Club and Runners Los Angeles for a special 6.04-mile community run beginning at 6:04 p.m. on Wednesday. Adidas Global Ambassadors Jen Kyle Whalen, Austin Ben Smith and Taeju Ko will lead the run, which departs from the Runners Los Angeles shop. Attendees can demo the brand’s EVO SL model, purchase exclusive new colorways and receive a free limited-edition shop tee while supplies last.

Asics

Asics is marking Global Running Day with a community event at Sports Basement Long Beach aimed at bringing runners together in a casual and accessible setting. The event features a group run with Asics demo shoes available for testing, followed by post-run pizza, drinks and a raffle. Prizes include Asics footwear, Sports Basement gift cards and a complimentary entry to the Long Beach Marathon.

New Balance

New Balance is activating in multiple cities this year. In Campbell, Calif., the brand is collaborating with local run clubs and hydration brand Fluid for a demo shoe run and post-event BBQ. Meanwhile in Memphis, New Balance is teaming up with HyperFocus Run Club and Grivet Outdoors for an evening event featuring demo shoes, live music from a local DJ, food and drinks and giveaways.

Fleet Feet

Fleet Feet brings back The Big Run on Wednesday in partnership with Brooks Running. Held in more than 100 cities on Global Running Day, the 5K welcomes participants of all experience levels — from first-timers to stroller-pushing parents. To help new runners get started, Fleet Feet offers a beginner-friendly training program with coaching and group support. The event emphasizes fun and community, with post-run celebrations and giveaways in select cities. Sponsors include Brooks, Currex and Feetures.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

To celebrate Global Running Day, the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series is bringing back its annual 24-hour sale. Starting at midnight PT on Wednesday, runners can score the lowest registration prices of the year for destination races in cities like Las Vegas, San Diego and Nashville. Known for mixing live music with course-side entertainment, the series is using the promotion to encourage early sign-ups and make its high-energy events more accessible.

Smoothie King

Smoothie King is marking Global Running Day with a push toward performance-focused consumers. Now the official smoothie of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, the brand has also teamed up with Strava to launch a season-long series of activations. On Wednesday, all U.S. locations will offer guests a free Watermelon Hydration Smoothie. In Dallas, the company will pilot a “Run-Thru” concept — letting runners jog up to a walk-up window for post-run smoothies — aimed at testing a more fitness-oriented retail model.