Global Running Day
Global Running Day takes place on the first Wednesday of June each year. It is an annual event held in celebration of running and promotes its benefits worldwide. This holiday aims to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get moving, embrace an active lifestyle and experience the positive impacts running can have on their overall well being.
5 Benefits of Running
Cardiovascular health
Running is a great aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure. One study observed 55,00 adults over 15 years, researching the correlation between heart health and running amongst participants. They found that runners had a 30% lower risk of death than non-runners. Additionally, when focused only on heart-related causes of death, the runners were 45% less likely to die from those causes compared to non-runners (1).Enhanced muscular strength and endurance
Running engages multiple muscle groups in the body, including the legs, core and upper body. Running is a weight-bearing exercise that builds strength by pushing your body forward against gravity. Additionally, running boosts stamina and cardiovascular endurance (2).Improved memory and cognitive function
Running has been linked to improving cognitive function and overall brain health. In one study conducted by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, they looked at memory and blood flow to the brain in participants who engaged in over a year’s worth of aerobic exercise. They found that the exercise group had a 47% improvement in their memory scores over the course of the study (3).Better sleep
Engaging in regular physical activity promotes better sleep quality. Studies have shown that individuals who suffer from insomnia can help regulate their circadian rhythm and improve their sleep cycle through regular exercise. Furthermore, running can help boost serotonin, improving the brain’s ability to metabolize serotonin and regulate sleep (4).Improved mental well being
Running has a positive impact on mental health and overall emotional well being. Your body releases endorphins and serotonin, hormones that help boost your mood, while running. One study found running for 15 minutes a day reduces the risk of major depression by 26% (5).
Sources:
Myers, Wyatt. “How Running Impacts Your Heart Health.” UHealth Collective, 14 Feb. 2022, news.umiamihealth.org/en/how-running-impacts-your-heart-health/.
Kingston, Kamrie. “How Does Running Affect Your Muscular Strength? .” Livestrong, www.livestrong.com/article/537581-how-does-running-affect-your-muscular-strength/.
Rodenburg, Malissa. From Memory to Motor Skills, Running Improves Brain Function, 2 July 2020, www.womensrunning.com/health/running-improves-brain-function/.
Pacheco, Danielle. “Exercise and Insomnia: Can Physical Activity Combat Insomnia?” Sleep Foundation, 29 Apr. 2022, www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/exercise-and-insomnia#references-79684.
“More Evidence That Exercise Can Boost Mood.” Harvard Health, 1 May 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-mood.