I’m a Marathon Runner and These Are My Favorite World Running Day Suggestions.
This year, World Running Day is June 4. Like most unofficial holidays, the day not only celebrates our shared love of running, but also provides an excuse for brands to hold sales and promotions on everything from shoes and gear to race registration.
Whether you’re a newbie looking for your first real pair of running shoes or a seasoned runner planning your next big race , it’s worth checking out sales and discounts before stocking up on gear or signing up for a half marathon. I’ve scoured the web for this year’s best deals, which you can find below so you can celebrate World Running Day with a fatter wallet (just don’t let it weigh you down on your next run).
Suggestions for registration for World Running Day 2025 races
You might think you’ll never start running organized races. I was just like you: a casual runner who scoffed at the idea of paying money to run. Then I was forced to run a 5K for charity. Then I experienced the thrill of crossing the finish line. Now, six marathons later , I understand why people budget for racing. Because once you enter the world of racing, the costs can add up quickly.
If you’re looking to save on registration fees, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is hosting a 24-hour sale on race registrations, offering some of the best prices of the year. These aren’t just any races – Rock ‘n’ Roll events are known for their incredible atmosphere, live music on the course, and post-race celebrations that make crossing the finish line even sweeter.
There’s no better time to register for a fall marathon or half marathon. Tickets for these races typically sell out, and with savings that can be as much as $130 off the regular price, it’s worth checking out their events if you’re planning a race. Think Las Vegas, San Diego, Nashville, and Washington, D.C. The sale starts June 4 at 12 p.m. PT.
The best sneaker and gear sales for World Running Day
As someone who goes through two or three pairs of running shoes a year, I’ve learned to time my purchases well. I’ve done a little digging and can report that there are some major discounts happening in the running world right now, even if the shoe sales aren’t always directly tied to World Running Day.
Sneakers Sale
I’m a big fan of Saucony in general and the Ride 18 in particular, so I always say when they’re on sale. Lightweight, soft, and responsive, these were my go-to shoes for running the 2023 New York City Marathon, and you can find them on sale now.
Alternatively, the HOKA Clifton 10 is perfect for runners looking for a comfortable sneaker that can easily transition into casual wear. Right now, they’re available for just $147.86 (women’s) and $149.18 (men’s) .
Garmin Running Gear and Fitness Watches on Sale
Speaking of Hoka, their site has a “World Running Day” tag filled with deals on shoes, shirts, and hats. Amazon is also running a “World Running Day” sale , and while it’s sparse, it does feature a selection of lightweight shoes for under $100.
There are also some solid deals on running watches right now — particularly Garmin Forerunners, also known as the best dedicated running watches on the market. Here are the best deals I’ve seen at the time of writing:
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Forerunner 265 is now $349.99 (was $449.99)
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Forerunner 255 is now $299 (was $399.99)
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Forerunner 955 is now $369.99 (was $499.99)
Digital Motivation and Community
I do this every year: Head over to globalrunningday.org to register for the official NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 5K so you can “run with the world.” There’s something incredibly motivating about knowing that runners around the world are lacing up their running shoes for the same celebration. Plus, it feels great to be a part of all those names on the Strava leaderboard .
You can run the virtual 5K anywhere, anytime from May 31 through June 8. Race results will be available on the NYRR Results website and NYRR Dashboard on Thursday, June 12.
My Shopping Strategy for Maximizing Savings on Running Gear
Having been through countless running sales over the years, I want to share my approach to getting a deal: First, prioritize your shoes (they’re the most important and expensive part of your gear), then look for discounts on upcoming races you want to sign up for, and finally, look for deals on gear and other items you’ve been putting off. In general, keep an eye out for curated packages at specialty running stores —they often offer great value and introduce you to items you might not otherwise find.
Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. Stick to brands and styles you’ve researched or used and liked before. The key is to know what you want and act fast—the best deals tend to sell out quickly, especially in popular sizes and colors. Set alarms for early morning shopping, just like you would for a long run.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some online shopping to do before I head out to rack up some World Running Day miles.