Lace up your trainers—Global Running Day is almost here, and Apple is sprinting into action with a suite of new features, rewards, and workouts designed to get you moving.
On June 4, Apple Watch users can earn a limited-edition digital award simply by logging a 5K run using any app that syncs with Apple’s Health platform. It’s Apple’s way of saying: go for a jog, and we’ll make it feel like you won gold.
This year’s Global Running Day campaign isn’t just about the medal, though. Apple has rolled out a fresh wave of training tools across Apple Watch and Fitness+, all aimed at runners—from couch-to-5K newbies to high-mileage veterans—who want to move smarter and feel stronger.
Apple Watch: Your Coach on the Wrist
The Apple Watch Workout app is already a playground for fitness data nerds, but the latest updates make it downright indispensable.
We’re talking next-level running metrics like vertical oscillation, stride length, ground contact time, and power—all neatly delivered during your run.
For those who like a plan, Custom Workouts allow you to structure intervals and set alerts—audio and haptic—that let you know when it’s time to sprint or recover.
There’s also Pacer, a tool that helps you hit target finish times with pace alerts, and Automatic Track Detection, which cleverly recognises standard running tracks for pinpoint accuracy.
Trying to outdo your previous run? The Race Route feature lets you go head-to-head with your past efforts, dishing out mid-run alerts if you’re slipping behind.
And if you’re training hard, Training Load helps you track whether you’re pushing your body just enough—or too much—by comparing your recent workouts to your monthly average.
Global Running Day Comes to Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ is joining the celebration with exclusive workouts inspired by Global Running Day. Starting Monday, June 2, users will find a new treadmill session led by endurance athlete, journalist, and mental health advocate Raymond Braun alongside Fitness+ trainer Scott Carvin.
But the highlight? A special Time to Run series that lets you mentally (and musically) escape to iconic running destinations like Central Park, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, and Edinburgh—without booking a flight. It’s guided motivation with a global passport.
And for those who know that the best runners stretch: the Yoga for Every Runner program is here to fix your form, boost mobility, and improve recovery.
Created with ultramarathon legend Scott Jurek and led by trainer Jessica Skye, the six 10-minute sessions can serve as warmups or post-run wind-downs.
Trainer Tips to Keep You Moving
Sherica Holmon offers a no-pressure way to begin: “Running can improve your overall fitness. But if you’re new at it, you want to make it enjoyable so you stick with it… Try starting with a mix of walking and running to build up your stamina.”
Cory Wharton-Malcolm recommends mental tricks for endurance: “To keep yourself moving, think about how you can reframe your runs… getting through your playlist track by track; or checking off landmarks as you pass them.”
And Emily Fayette shares a shortcut to speed: “Try sprinkling little speed bursts into your next run… I like to speed up during the chorus of my favourite songs, or if you’re outside, you could sprint to things like a tree up ahead.”
The Bottom Line
With a little help from your Apple Watch and the Fitness+ platform, Global Running Day is no longer just a nudge to hit the pavement—it’s a fully integrated experience. Whether you’re in it for the award, the data, or the dopamine, Apple’s ecosystem has you covered.
Apple Fitness+ is available for £9.99/month or £79.99/year via the Fitness app on iPhone. Apple Watch Series 10 starts at £399, while the ultra-rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 begins at £799.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start running—this is it. Let the watch do the counting. You do the sweating.
