Today is Global Running Day. No, it’s not a holiday. But you can at least use the occasion to put on your running shoes and hit the trail at the nearest park early in the morning. It is also a good opportunity to introduce children to the pleasures of running. Apple has something to help get you motivated: a limited-edition Global Running Day award on the Apple Watch. Before you read about how to earn it, make sure you don’t give in to the temptation of having kachori and jalebi after the run.
Apple Watch users will be able to earn a special digital award by completing a running workout of at least 5 kilometres on Global Running Day. The workout can be recorded using Apple's Workout app.
The initiative comes as running continues to grow in popularity, aided by the increasing availability of wearable technology and fitness platforms that help users track performance, monitor health metrics and follow structured training plans.
Over the years, Apple has steadily expanded the running tools available on the Apple Watch. The Workout app now offers a range of features designed for both casual runners and those training for specific goals. Users can create customised interval sessions, track metrics such as stride length, running power and ground contact time, and monitor their effort using heart rate zones.
Other features focus on pacing and race preparation. Pacer allows runners to set a target finish time and receive pace guidance during a run, while Race Route enables users to compare their performance against previous runs on the same route. Training Load, introduced more recently, analyses workout intensity and duration over time to provide insight into whether training levels are increasing, decreasing or remaining stable.
Apple has also expanded support for third-party fitness services. Apps including Strava, Nike Run Club, Runna and TrainingPeaks can integrate with Apple Watch, allowing runners to access coaching plans, live segments and customised workouts within their preferred ecosystems.
Alongside the Global Running Day challenge, Apple is adding new running-related content to its Fitness+ subscription service. A new treadmill workout led by Fitness+ trainer Sherica Holman features Danielle Burnett, founder of the running community Big Girls Who Run and a popular athlete on Strava. The session includes six high-intensity intervals lasting 30 seconds each.
Apple is also highlighting its '4 Weeks of Strength for Runners' programme, developed in collaboration with Strava. The series focuses on strength-training exercises intended to support running performance and reduce injury risk.
