June 3 , 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON AND FIRST LADY MICHELLE PAIGE PATERSON ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL RUNNING DAY
New York Road Runners to Host Local Events as Part of National
Effort to Get Americans Moving
Governor David A. Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson today announced their support of the inaugural National Running Day on Wednesday, June 3, an initiative to nationally and locally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. From New York to San Diego, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today’s most pressing health issues.
“Today we encourage all New Yorkers to put on your running shoes and take the first step towards a more active, healthy lifestyle,” said Governor Paterson. “As a longtime runner myself, I’ve experienced first-hand the positive benefits of running, and I am committed to supporting any effort that leads to a healthier New York.”
“I have been a longtime advocate of people incorporating physical activity in their daily lives, and National Running Day is another positive step forward in inviting everyone, everywhere, to take the first step,” said First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson. “As more school physical education programs disappear every day, it’s important to use events like this to motivate kids and get them interested in running as a part of an everyday healthy lifestyle.”
Through a grassroots effort, the nation’s foremost road racing and track and field organizations, including New York Road Runners, are encouraging Americans of all ages and fitness levels to get out and run. People can participate by simply lacing up their shoes and inviting a friend to join them in experiencing the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of running.
President and CEO of New York Road Runners Mary Wittenberg said: “This day wouldn’t be complete without the support of Governor Paterson and First Lady Paterson. They have both avidly championed the importance of running and physical activity in the state of New York, and we are grateful to have them on our team in spreading the message of how great running is. On this day in particular, we encourage all New Yorkers to discover for themselves that running is an easy way to feel better, look better, and live better.”
Runners can join in the National Running Day activities by simply going for a run on Wednesday, June 3, or by joining local events and group runs already planned. In New York City, Olympian Deena Kastor will host the Mighty Milers Fun Run/Walk, an event at Icahn Stadium with more than 1,300 kids from Manhattan and the Bronx. Additionally, New York Road Runners will host group runs in all five boroughs and runners’ stations in Central Park in Manhattan and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. New York Road Runners Foundation’s Mighty Milers program will have more than 25,000 kids from more than 100 schools from around the country running in celebration of National Running Day.
Retail stores and other running clubs have scheduled a variety of group runs and other events to commemorate the day. For more information on National Running Day, please visit www.runningday.org. For more information on events in New York City, please visit www.nyrr.org.
