Run at Work Day Logo
Run at School Day Logo

On September 17, 2021 the RRCA will present the 15th RUN@WORK Day and the 9th RUN@School Day, nationwide fitness efforts.

Company-based wellness programs, human resources departments, running clubs, running events, running shoe stores, teachers, coaches parents, and individuals nationwide are encouraged to plan fun runs and walks around the country with their employers or at local schools.

Plan Your Run@WORK or
RUN@School Day Event

Plan Your RUN@WORK Day Event

  • Work with your employer to gain support from management for hosting a RUN@WORK Event.
  • Determine if you will host your event before work, during lunchtime, immediately at the end of the work-day, or at all three times.
  • Follow the RRCA’s Safe Event Guidelines and Safe Group Run Guidelines.
  • Encourage participants to follow the RRCA’s 10-Week Beginning Runner Plan in advance of the event.
  • Plan a safe route for your participants.  Choose a central location where everyone can meet-up at the specified start time.  The route should be approximately 3-5K in distance to allow people to run or walk for at least 30-minutes.  A route can be an out and back from a central starting point or a loop course.  Use a mapping tool to help you determine your route.  The course should be pedestrian friendly.
  • Use an event registration service to collect names of participants to determine your participation numbers. Have all event participants sign a waiver.
  • Engage volunteers to help organize the start and finish of the event.  Have a run leader, a mid-pack course marshal, and an end of the pack “sweeper” to ensure your participants are supported during the run/walk.
  • Be sure to provide your participants with information on how to get involved with a running club or event after the conclusion of the run/walk.

Promote Your RUN@WORK Day Event

  • With permission from your employer, send an email to your co-workers about your event. Work with your human resources department to promote the event.
  • Order FREE copies of the RRCA RUN@WORK Day poster to hang around your office or in our community to help promote your event.
  • Work with a local sponsor or your employer to provide incentives for your participants.  Consider providing RUN@WORK Day shirts to participants.
  • Use a mapping service like MapMyRun to share the planned route before the event.  Remind participants that your event will be a fun run or walk, and that participants should follow the rules of the road and obey traffic signals.
  • Collaborate with partners in your community including your local YMCA, Parks & Recreation Department, etc. to assist with and promote your event.
  • Share on social media.  Tag @RRCAnational for Twitter and Instagram using #RunatWork or #RunatWorkDay

RUN@WORK Day Follow-up

  • Thank your RUN@WORK Day event participants for running or walking 30-minutes.  Encourage them to continue running or walking 30 – to 60-minutes every day.
  • Share information about local running clubs or events and how your co-workers and students can also get involved.
  • Start planning your 2022 RUN@WORK Day event.

RUN@School Day is the perfect time to launch a Kids Run the Nation program that meets before, during, or after school hours, or to hold a school-wide event to promote the sport.

Plan Your RUN@School Day Event

  • Work with a local school(s) to gain support from teachers and administration to host a RUN@School Day event.
  • Determine if you will host your event before school, during recess, at the end of the school day, or during all three times.
  • Follow the RRCA’s Safe Event Guidelines and Safe Group Run Guidelines.
  • Encourage participants to follow the RRCA’s 10-Week Beginning Runner Plan in advance of the event.
  • Plan running activities and/or a running route for your RUN@School Day participants. Choose a central location where everyone can meet up at the specified start time.  The running route should be approximately 1-3 miles in distance to allow children to run or walk for at least 30-minutes. The route can be an out-and-back from a central starting point or a looped course.
  • Use a mapping tool to help you determine your route. The course should be pedestrian friendly and utilize sidewalks, paths, and trails as much as possible.
  • Create a system to track the number of students participating in your RUN@School Day event. Be sure you have all event participants’ parents or guardians sign a waiver.
  • Engage volunteers to help organize the start and finish area(s) of the event. Have a run leader, a mid-pack course marshal, and an end of the pack “sweeper” to ensure your participants are supported during the run/walk.

Promoting Your RUN@School Day Event

  • With permission from your school, send an email to parents, teachers, and staff about your event.
  • Order FREE copies of the RRCA RUN@School Day poster to hang around your school(s) or in our community centers to help promote your event.
  • Work with a local sponsor or your PTA to provide incentives for your participants.
  • Consider purchasing copies of the RRCA’s Running Guide for Kids to distribute to finishers.
  • Plan and publicize your route before the event. We recommend keeping your RUN@School Day event on school grounds as much as possible. If you need to leave school grounds, check with the school about special permission form requirements.
  • Remind participants that your event will be a fun run or walk and that all participants should follow the rules.
  • Collaborate with partners in your community such as your local YMCA, Parks & Recreation Department, etc. to assist with and to promote your event.

RUN@School Day Follow-up

  • Thank your RUN@School Day participants for running or walking. Encourage them to continue running or walking for 30-to 60-minutes every day.
  • Share information with participants about your school’s running clubs or local events and how they can get involved.
  • Start planning your RUN@School Day event for next year!
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