Runners in 600 Cities Join Charitable Effort
Some ran in groups, some ran alone, but they all ran together on World Run Day, November 9, 2003. With representation from over 600 cities worldwide, nearly 4,000 runners participated in a unique event embracing both running and charitable giving--universally. Their stories, distances, times and donations are all posted at the World Run Day Web site.

In its fifth year, with multiple group events in different cities and a "virtual run" composed of nearly 1,000 geographically diversified runners, World Run Day set several event records: Most participants (1,200 in London) in a World Run Day group event, the most total World Run Day participants - 3,700, and most cities with runners participating in World Run Day - 600. Additionally, over $50,000 USD in total was raised for hundreds of different charities in different corners of the world.

Inspired by the press generated in several corners of the globe, particularly by Runner's World magazine, runners became event directors on both large and small scales. With the help of Sting's vocal support in London - 1200 runners ran for the Rainforest UK. With inspiration from an army major in Qandahar, Afghanistan - 53 US troops participated in a 10K desert run. With a simple phone call from a friend in Spain, a runner in Poland launched separate World Run Day events in three Polish cities. Events spawned in Sydney, Australia; Jakarta, Indonesia; and even Bemidji, Minnesota were just part of the many recorded group events held throughout the day.

The purpose of World Run Day is to create an annual millennium-like event with runners worldwide running for their own favorite charities. It plans to enlist the support of musicians to help celebrate the day. Sting and wife, Trudie Styler, were recognized for their support this year by event coordinator Bill McDermott in London. A one-of-a-kind crystal trophy was awarded to them for their "vocal support." For the first time, plans to recruit corporate sponsors for World Run Day 2004 are already underway.

For more information about World Run Day, please contact Bill McDermott at (516) 859-3000 or via e-mail.