Today is Global Running Day, a day celebrating movement for all people. If you’re thinking this is just another faux holiday, check this out — Running Day includes 82 participating countries and dozens of global events.

KCtoday joined in the run fun today at 6:30 a.m. City Editor Travis met up with the Kansas City November Project at the Liberty Memorial for a morning jog + workout. Garmin — headquartered in Olathe — was also there with some cool fitness merch + the top American woman in the 2022 Boston Marathon, Nell Rojas. Watch the fun on KCtoday’s Instagram and check out these other events.

Stretch your legs today

Kansas City Running Club, 208 W. 79th St. Kansas City, MO | 6 p.m. | Join the group run, which includes yoga beforehand (5 p.m.) and pizza + beer afterwards.

Percheron Run Club + Garmin, Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central St., Kansas City, MO | 6:30 p.m. | Garmin’s evening event with Nell Rojas — topped off with some watch demos + drinks.

The Running Well Store, 6009 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS + 418 Rte. 291, Lee’s Summit, MO | 6:30 p.m. | Try out Hoka shoes at Mission and Diadora at Lee’s Summit — not to mention refreshments afterward.

Need some prep time?

Use today to plan your run. There are plenty of other running events in June to leave your footprint.

Military Matters VeteRUN 5k | Sat., June 25 | The National WWI Museum and Memorial | $39 | Support a local program that provides legal help to service members and veterans.

Father’s Day Superhero Run 5k | Sun., June 19 | 6260 Sprint Pkwy., Leawood, KS | $41+ | A run honoring all dads complete with a costume contest and kids fun run.

Local running routes

There’s a lot of pavement to pound around town. However, if you’re looking for something more scenic than your neighborhood sidewalk, here are some of our favorite jogging spots. Note: we specified which ones are paved + accessible.

Cliff Drive at Kessler Park | A paved road closed to traffic, cut through the city’s northeastern bluffs. Access it near Kansas City University or the Kansas City Museum.

Gillham Road Cycletrack | Two lanes of protected, paved bike + walkway. Access it anywhere between 19th Street to Brush Creek Boulevard. We love the views of the city heading into the Crossroads.

Indian Creek Greenway | This bi-state paved trail runs from Overland Park into southern Kansas City.

North Troost Trail at Englewood Park | A new, paved path connecting Northland Neighborhoods with the park. Best for shorter runs.

Riverfront Heritage Trail | Paved paths connecting KCK with the West Bottoms, River Market, Berkley Riverfront, and Kansas City’s Westside.

Rock Island Trail | Start on this crushed gravel trail at the Truman Sports Complex, Crane Brewing Company, or Jefferson Street in Lee’s Summit.

Trolley Track Trail | A gravel path running from the Plaza down into Waldo with access points, like KC Bier Co., along the way.

Running resources

Global Running Day provides a great rundown of resources, including safety tips + material assets.

Safety tips:

Stay in populated, well-lit areas
Run with others
Run against traffic while on roadways
Carry your essentials

Assets:

Certificate graphics for running event participants
Info sheets
Graphic designs
Movement games for the kids