National “Run A Mile” Days Set For May

BETHESDA, Md. — The American Running Association (ARA) will host and promote National Run a Mile Days, throughout the week of May 6-12, 2012, the Maryland-based nonprofit organization has announced. The campaign theme for the public outreach events are “Be a Miler” and begs the question to boys and girls to seek fitness in the Mile, a storied distance.

ARA has also launched a new website for the National “Mile” event: www.runamile.org. The site showcases schools and groups who sign up to take on the mile.

The “Miler” focus is intended to get more children motivated and enthused to run; not just to run the mile but to kickstart a fitness plan. In addition, ARA will promote efforts with Bring Back the Mile and others to make the Mile the standard mid-distance race in high school replacing the 1600m (high school).

“2012 marks our 5th year of partnering with community leaders and schools across the United States,” said ARA’s Executive Director Dave Watt. “ARA is seeking elementary, middle school and high schools in all 50 states to host a Miler Day. We are committed to supporting schools and groups who join the Run a Mile Days concept.”

Host schools, running clubs and communities are encouraged to incorporate the “Miler” event into their PE class planners as well as community events.

“Running the Mile should be the measure of fitness for all youth,” added Watt.

ARA seeks Miler host sites in all 50 states in 2012. Any school or organization interested in hosting a Mile Days event should contact the Mile Days Staff (miler@americanrunning.org). Each selected event will receive Run a Mile Days certificates for participants in their mile events. Completion certificates and posters will be provided to all schools who commit by April 6, 2012. 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 the Run a Mile Days website (www.runamile.org); as well as, 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 Days. 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 Days 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,” added 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