Run 4 Wales celebrates Global Running Day 2024
At Run 4 Wales we know the positive impact running can have on both our physical and mental health – not to mention the power it has in uniting people from all walks of life around the world.
That’s why we’re getting involved in celebrating Global Running Day (5 June).
Running is one of the easiest sports to take up – it’s a low-cost, fun and social way to improve your fitness. All you need is a pair of trainers, a safe route and you’re good to go. You can run at anytime, anywhere.
The worldwide celebration aims to encourage everyone to get active – something we feel incredibly passionate about. And through taking part in a mass participation event, it helps to provide a goal, target or inspiration to push yourself further, and have the power to bring people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds together.
This is also why, alongside our main events, we put on our Next Gen series to inspire a future generation of healthy, active adults, as well as our 100 Club initiative, whereby we gift 100 free spaces into some of our events – including the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon and ABP Newport Marathon Festival, to encourage people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
We’re even seeing more people than ever sign up to take part in our events from overseas – particularly at the Cardiff Half, which is part of the SuperHalfs Series.
If you’d like to give running a go but aren’t sure on how to get started, we’ve got loads of tips and training advice from our Race Director and double Olympic marathoner, Steve Brace, as well as expertise from our event partners.
Here, the Run 4 Wales team share some of the reasons why they enjoy running:
Steve Brace, Race Director and double Olympic marathoner: “I was in my early twenties when I got into running, and quickly found my passion for it as well as an ambition to improve and learn. I am very competitive setting myself targets and goals and pushing myself to achieve them drove me on to improve myself. There are so many qualities that running has enabled me to develop which can be shared in other aspects of my life – such as discipline, hard work, confidence and self-belief. It really is a fantastic sport that can bring so much if you’re prepared to put in the work.”
Stuart Fagg, Marketing Manager: “I like to get competitive with myself running, but ultimately just love the buzz I get after a long run!”
Lee Treadwell, Head of Marketing & Communications: “For me personally, running is a great way to clear my head, explore new places and connect with others. Professionally, I find nothing more rewarding than seeing all of the work behind the scenes come together when we deliver our events, and the positive impact they have on all of the people who are taking part for a whole variety of reasons.”
Gavin Howe, Event Support Assistant: “A quote I quite like is ‘it isn’t exercise, its meditating with your feet’. I first got into running as a form of escapism but the more I got into it, I realised it helped me deal with and overcome some challenging moments. It’s brought me more confidence and allowed me to challenge myself, and since I’ve started running more with others, I’ve definitely felt benefits from the community aspects too.”
Anna Verdon, Communications Manager: “I never regret going for a run. Not only does it provide a sense of accomplishment, but it helps me to switch off and decompress after a hard day. There’s no better way to help me clear my head.”
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