The Event's Intent
- 2003
In four years nearly 5,000 runners have participated in World Run Day!
What started out as a simple thought has now been recognized
internationally as "An International Day of Charity!" A universal
event t-shirt has now become a collectors item. The
legend of charity has now been unearthed.
The intent of World Run Day is to pay honor to both running and
charitable giving - on one special day every year. You can run for a
special cause or run in remembrance of someone special.
Although the rules of this event may seem loose, relaxed and
free-styled, they were specifically designed to appeal to
each and every runner: Wherever you may be, run any distance, donate
to any charity. Express yourself!
We all know how running events grow year by year. This event shall be
no different. Our first year (1999) we tested the concept with a small
group of individuals worldwide. Since then, we've added group events,
continue to have our "virtual run" and are now ready to purchase
full-page ads in major running publications: Runner's World Magazine - UK, Runner's World Magazine - Australia/New
Zealand, Runner's World Magazine - Spain, and Runner's World Magazine - South Africa. We're also in
Italy's Podismo Magazine, and other running mags.
In 2003, we've decided to contact existing November 9th event directors to
promote
World Run Day - 'city name' as a by-line to their event. We've
also contacted new, interested parties to begin hosting brand new World Run Day
events in their
own town. We offer a professional sponsorship
proposal template for them to gain funding, several tools and ideas for their
event, and offer the World Run Day t-shirt design - again at no cost.
Now running may not be the 'thinking mans sport' - only because that tag
line's already taken by golfers. It's really much, much more than that.
Running is the 'Introspective Sport'' because it
oftentimes provides us with time to think and ponder about many things.
God knows, there's not much of that time hanging around for
everybody these days.
In the act of running, jogging, or walking, problems are solved,
creations are borne, stress is relieved - and health is always achieved!
It's the best-kept secret in the world today. Pick up any issue of
Runner's World, or any running magazine (Running Times,
Triathlete Magazine, Athletes Weekly, The Running Network Publications,
The Road Running Club of America's Footnotes, etc.) and you'll find
the message spoken in different ways from people of all walks of life.
And don't think it stops there... Travel overseas and you'll find
Runners World - Australia, Runner's World - UK, Runner's World - South
Africa and many, many more.
Oftentimes, the message of running is dramatic....
When we see the Olympic Games we don't just look at the records fall. We
see the drama created by athletes worldwide! It really is the
celebration of the human spirit. Similarly, we all have the ability to
share in the drama of World Run Day. If you've dreamed of being on the
center stage with your fellow runners - this is it! Your chance
to express fitness and charity with others awaits!
And for those unclear of the rules, we've even enhanced this site to
include The Rules. Now remember, if you're
still confused, just run and donate to the charity of your choice! Trust
us, that's what the event is all about.
Additionally, most any professional athlete will tell you how
important running contributes to the overall conditioning for their
sport. Just ask one.
And charity? Consider this: Many people landed on the moon with Neil
Armstrong years ago (1969). It was a great day in world history. It was
truly an event that many thought was unachievable. The world stood still
as he proclaimed "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Have we yet to take that dramatic step for charity here on earth?
With
the advent of a true global community via the Internet, and a tweaking
of the run-for-charity formula, a great day in history looms before us.
Sorry if it sounds too dramatic ...... but it really is... It's intended
to be. And you can be part of it. Many of us are ready to take that
giant step for charity here on earth. No arm twisting: your run,
your charity, your amount. Now that didn't hurt, did it?
An International Day of Charity is long overdue now. Isn't
it?
A small donation to your favorite charity can make the biggest
difference in the world to someone. It really can ........
Every recording artist since the advent of time has spoken of an
event similar to this - a universal day of charity (using themes of
love, hope, the human heart, human spirit, etc.). We've included
a few artists that have inspired this day. Music, like running,
offers personal choices. Choose your mental jukebox for the day. On
World Run Day, listen to your music. Like the event always says
"let the runner decide." You too may find 'the time of your life' on
this very special day.
With much effort we're setting the global stage. We hope you will
join us.
As always,
Pursuit & Perseverance!
Bill McDermott
World Run Day
Event Director
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