2011 NATIONAL RUN A MILE DAYS SET

For Immediate Release‐‐update

Thursday October 14, 2010
Contact: Dave Watt (301‐913‐9517, ext. 13)
milerun@americanrunning.org

2011 NATIONAL RUN A MILE DAYS SET

4th Annual MILER Events to take place during week surrounding May 6th

Bethesda MD ‐ The American Running Association will host and promote NATIONAL RUN A MILE DAYS in early May 2011. Host schools, running clubs and communities are encouraged to incorporate the “MILER” event into their PE class planners as well as community events. “We are committed to spreading the RUN A MILE DAY event to all 50 states”, said ARA Executive Director Dave Watt. “Running the Mile is a measure of fitness as well as a great distance to kickstart a commitment to a healthier lifestyle”, added Watt.
Participating schools and organizations may include elementary, middle and high schools, track clubs and community organizations. ARA and our partner Youth Runner Magazine will post stories and photos from multiple event sites across the U.S.

ARA will sponsor a MILER host site in all 50 states in 2011. Each selected event will receive recognition awards or RUN A MILE DAY CERTIFICATES for participants in their mile events. All other national host sites will be featured on both the American Running Association (ARA) and Youth Runner Magazine websites. Results and photos will be posted on both the ARA website (www.americanrunning.org) on the YOUTH RUNNER website (www.youthrunner.com).

May 6th is the anniversary date of the world’s first sub‐4 minute mile. Roger Bannister showed the world in 1954 that the 4 minute mile was not a barrier. He broke through that barrier on May 6 of that year. To this day, the sub 4 minute mile is a cherished achievement by male runners worldwide. ARA honors Sir Roger Bannister’s achievement on RUN A MILE DAY. His tenacity and commitment to challenge a perceived impenetrable barrier can be a lesson for anyone facing a seemingly out of reach goal.

The NATIONAL RUN A MILE DAY™ is produced by the Bethesda, MD ‐ based American Running Association (ARA). “We want adults, parents, and kids to see the fun in running the mile. It is a perfect event to entice more kids into running,” said Dave Watt of ARA... All event proceeds help produce this national track event and ARA’s free youth walk‐run training programs. ARA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968 to promote healthy living and active lifestyles among all Americans. It is dedicated to supporting runners through education and specialized programs, as well as encouraging all individuals from youths to adults to run and be fit.

For more information about the ARA or to learn more about the Walk and Run programs, visit www.americanrunning.org.
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