World Run Day Sets New Records

Runners in 600 Cities Join Charitable Effort

New York, NY  Dec 2 – Some ran in groups, some ran alone, but they all ran together on World Run Day, November 9, 2003. With representation from over 600 cities worldwide, nearly 4,000 runners participated in a unique event embracing both running and charitable giving - universally. Their stories, distances, times and donations are all posted at www.runday.com.

In its fifth year, with multiple group events in different cities and a "virtual run" composed of nearly 1,000 geographically diversified runners, World Run Day set several event records: Most participants (1,200 in London) in a World Run Day group event, the most total World Run Day participants - 3,700, and most cities with runners participating in World Run Day - 600. Additionally, over $50,000 USD in total was raised for hundreds of different charities in different corners of the world.

Inspired by the press generated in several corners of the globe, particularly by Runner's World magazine, runners became event directors on both large and small scales. With the help of Sting's vocal support in London - 1200 runners ran for the Rainforest UK. With inspiration from an army major in Qandahar, Afghanistan - 53 US troops participated in a 10K desert run. With a simple phone call from a friend in Spain, a runner in Poland launched separate World Run Day events in three Polish cities. Events spawned in Sydney, Australia; Jakarta, Indonesia; and even Bemidji, Minnesota were just part of the many recorded group events held throughout the day.

The purpose of World Run Day is to create an annual millennium-like event with runners worldwide running for their own favorite charities. It plans to enlist the support of musicians to help celebrate the day. Sting and wife, Trudie Styler, were recognized for their support this year by event coordinator Bill McDermott in London. A one-of-a-kind crystal trophy was awarded to them for their "vocal support."

For the first time, plans to recruit corporate sponsors for World Run Day 2004 are already underway. For more information about World Run Day, please contact Bill McDermott of www.runday.com at (516) 859-3000 or e-mail pr@runday.com

 Unique Charity Run Comes to Town

World Run Day Registers Hundreds for Nov. 9 Event

New York, NY  Nov. 4 – Catch them if you can! Thus far, Over 600 charity runners in major US cities have already pledged to run and donate to their own favorite charities on World Run Day - Sunday, November 9. They are all listed by their city of residence at event site www.runday.com.

What’s different about this charity run? These “solo” runners may never see each other as they run their individual routes in their separate cities, but their presence will be felt during this self-described “International Day for Running & Charity.” The event tries to raise the consciousness of running for fitness and charitable giving at the local level this Sunday.

On World Run Day, these and other runner’s world-wide are asked to honor running and charitable giving. Whether they run in Sydney or Sacramento, runners will be connected together to see what they can accomplish. Even large group events have begun to take shape in London (for Rainforest Foundation – UK), Philadelphia (for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), and other major cities. Small clusters of runners are beginning to form in Los Angeles to benefits fire victims. In Canada the town of Burnstown, Ontario will accumulate donations to a local charity.

Interest in World Run Day has been growing steadily since 1999. Back then, it was event organizer Bill McDermott and 100 people daring to accomplish something different. This year, Runner’s World Magazine - which is published separately in several countries, has written about the event and even rocker Sting has even sung its praises.

The event has created a new place on the running calendar for an international day of charity, and provides a turnkey solution for charities looking to raise money thru healthy exercise with virtually little or no administration costs. Charities and clubs just need to e-mail their members about the event.

First held in 1999, the event has now captivated the imagination of runners, writers, and even run-for-charity minded servicemen in Qandahar, Afghanistan and Iraq. They’ve all expressed interest in becoming part of the day. The group event titled World Run Day – London was closed by mid-October, with 1200 participants, due to popularity.

Overseas registration sites have been translated in Spanish, French, Italian, and German to accommodate runners in many other countries. Several overseas registration companies will be employed for the feat.

“It’s pretty simple,” offered event coordinator Bill McDermott “you just run and donate to your favorite local charity on World Run Day, November 9.”  Registered runners are awarded the official World Run Day event t-shirt and will be provided the opportunity to post their results on runday.com immediately after the event.

For more information, please contact Bill McDermott of www.runday.com at (516) 859-3000 or e-mail pr@runday.com.

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New York, NY  Oct 22 – Groups of runners in many US cities can now join forces with Sydney, London, Johannesburg, and others to celebrate World Run Day 2003 this November 9th. Pre-registration is available at runday.com and active.com for only $12.99.  

With vocal support by international recording artist Sting, the London “group event” hosted by Rainforest Foundation UK has already overflowed with 1200 runners pre-registered. The World Run Day event asks runners world-wide to run and donate to their favorite local charity. Runners can run either in large groups or individually - as virtual runners.

New group events are being added in Minnesota, Kansas City, and others, while over three-hundred USA cities are listed for a “virtual run.” When completed, the virtual run will encompass nearly one-thousand cities world-wide. Overseas registration sites will be translated in Spanish, French, Italian, German, and possibly Russian. Several overseas registration companies will be employed for the feat.

“It’s pretty simple,” offered event coordinator Bill McDermott “you just run and donate to your favorite charity on World Run Day, November 9.”  Registered runners are awarded the official World Run Day event t-shirt and will be provided the opportunity to post their results on runday.com immediately after the event.”

McDermott will fly to London to celebration World Run Day – London and also celebrate World Run Day – Long Island later that day with some friends. Plans may even include a solo run within the city limits of Los Angeles - for a Los Angeles non-profit.

Various runners have volunteered to become local contacts with the media following a Runner's World Magazine story in the November issue. Others are downloading World Run Day posters to also help promote the event.

For more information, please contact Bill McDermott of www.runday.com at (516) 859-3000 or e-mail pr@runday.com.

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New York, NY  Oct 3 - Rocker and former school track star Sting praised the event World Run Day being held November 9, 2003. The worldwide event asks runners to run either individually or in groups within their own cities, and also make a donation directly to their own favorite charity.

Registration for USA participants in nearly 300 cities started on October 2nd, Sting's birthday, thru both active.com and runday.com web sites. Australian registration has already started thru ausrun.com.au. More international registration sites will soon follow for Europe, South Africa and other international regions.

Sting is the first major rock star to endorse this global event. Among many group events this year, the World Run Day - London event will benefit the Rainforest Foundation UK, founded by Sting and wife Trudie Styler. Commenting about the World Run Day concept, the celebrity couple stated: “It is a great way for people around the world to come together and raise money for charity." Group events are also slated for Sydney, London, Glasgow, Johannesburg, Houston, Philadelphia, and several others. Runners are encouraged to establish small group runs in their own towns to help support the day.

World Run Day has been proclaimed as an International Day of Running & Charity and has now appeared in Runner’s World Magazine - USA and Runner’s World Magazine - Australia. The event is also scheduled to appear in Runner’s World Magazine - UK, Runner’s World Magazine - South Africa, Runner’s World Magazine - Spain, and quite possibly others. Runner’s World, published in several countries, is the leading magazine for the sport of running - worldwide.

The one-day worldwide running event was started in 1999 by an enthusiastic Long Island runner, who proclaimed “We need an International Day of Running, we need an International Day of Charity, we need a World Run Day!” All registrants receive a colorful World Run Day event t-shirt and will have their results posted on the event website after November 9th.

For more information, please contact Bill McDermott of www.runday.com at (516) 859-3000 or e-mail pr@runday.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                       
Contact: Bill McDermott
1 917-626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com 


                             World Run Day Sets Program for 2003

                            ---  Event Directors Sought Worldwide ---

New York , NY  June 1 – Like a Hollywood casting call, experienced running event directors are being summoned to play a special role this November 9th: As a World Run Day Event Director for their own home town. A new free sponsorship proposal template is now available at the event website www.runday.com.

Of the several 2002 World Run Day Group Events held last year, London, England lead the pack. Registration needed to be capped at 500 last year for the London-based Rainforest UK 10K event. Philadelphia experienced over 200 runners while nobody broke the 850 participant record experienced at the 2001 World Run Day - Twin Cities event held in 2001.

Over 300 cities worldwide had registered runners, while countless others participated in their own unique way.

World Run Day is an event that continues to gain popularity worldwide and now offers a sponsorship template for local event directors to host the event on November 9, 2003. Posters and bibs can be downloaded, and now a sponsorship proposal worth thousands can be downloaded for fundraising groups.

For more information about World Run Day please contact the PRESS ROOM at www.runday.com or Bill McDermott at runday2003@yahoo.com or  call 1 (917) 626-9623 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                       
Contact: Bill McDermott
1 917-626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com 


                             World Run Day Results Complete

              --- Group Events and Solo Runners Unite for  the Day ---

New York , NY  November 27 – Thousands of runners continued the World Run Day  tradition for the fourth consecutive year - and vow to make a more spectacular day for 2003. Several 2002 World Run Day Group Events were held. London, England lead the pack this year gaining notoriety outside the USA. Due to popularity, registration needed to be capped at 500 this year for the London-based Rainforest UK 10K event. Philadelphia experienced over 200 runners while nobody broke the 850 participant record experienced at the 2001 World Run Day - Twin Cities event last year.

Over 300 cites were represented with registered runners, while countless others participated in their own unique way. While stories were e-mailed for posting on the www.runday.com web site, preparations already started for the 2003 event - with a new sponsorship proposal for event directors and the support of enthusiastic World Run Day runners worldwide.

World Run Day is an event that continues to gain popularity worldwide and now offers a sponsorship template for local event directors to host the event November 9, 2003. Posters can be downloaded, bibs can be downloaded, and now a sponsorship proposal worth thousands can be downloaded for fundraising groups.

For more information about World Run Day please contact the PRESS ROOM at www.runday.com or Bill McDermott at runday2002@yahoo.com or  call 1 (917) 626-9623 

                                                              # # #  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                       
Contact: Bill McDermott
1 917-626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com 


                             World Run Day Is Here ... Everywhere!

                      --- Runner's World Websites Join in the Day ---

New York , NY  November 10 – It's here! Registration ends at Midnight tonight.

Event website runday.com, was placed on Runner's World websites in both the USA and Australia today and spent the weekend relaxing there. A Bono Video clip, "A Beautiful Day" was added to the runday.com site as song of the day. Sting's "Brand New Day" and Eric Clapton's "Change The World" and many others are recognized just by clicking on the Clapton or Sting images.

"We're looking for that brigade of rock stars for next year," Bill McDermott, Event Coordinator" said, after responding to a call from a Tulsa, OK television reporter from his cell phone. "I'm hoping to hear how World Run Day - London fared and possibly make a call to Trudie Styler of Rainforest UK sometime on Monday. It's my first step for the 2003 event!"

For more information about World Run Day please contact the PRESS ROOM at www.runday.com or Bill McDermott at rundaypress@yahoo.com or 1 (917) 626-9623 

                                                              # # #  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Contact: Bill McDermott
1 917-626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com 


                             World Run Day E-vent Goes Global!

                      --- Runners Charging The Net For Nov. 10 ---

New York , NY  November 8 – Tennis anyone? Not exactly. Runners are charging the Internet to give some charity and take some history. The event World Run Day is on November 10th and asks runners worldwide to run any distance and give to their local charity. A free event t-shirt of global proportions is mailed to those who register. Virtually every runner can become part of this event.

Active.com and sister sites in the USA, Europe, and South Africa are handling registration, along with Start to Finish in Australia. Overseas registration sites are new for World Run Day this year, and are experiencing the growing pain question: where is the event held? Of course, EVERYWHERE is certainly a hard word to imagine .......... in any language. 

Event website runday.com, was placed on Runner's World websites in both the USA and Australia today. Recognition of the event by the running community didn't end there. Both runtheplanet.com and run-down.com have helped bolster support in addition to other running websites including kidsrunning.com!

For more information about World Run Day please contact the PRESS ROOM at www.runday.com or Bill McDermott at rundaypress@yahoo.com or 1 (917) 626-9623 

                                                              # # #  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

Contact:  Bill McDermott
1 917-626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com

World Run Day Virus Set for November 10^th

--- Exercise Enthusiasts Targeted ----

New York , NY   November 7 – Its spread throughout the Internet over the past year: a virus that’s so contagious to internet runners worldwide it’s virtually running amok: The World Run Day virus is set to go off Sunday, November 10^th. What exactly is it? How does it thrive? It’s simple – internet runners are hypnotized by their monitors to register for a virtual fun-run at event website www.runday.com and make a donation to their favorite local charity.  

“In reality, it’s really a global virus that’s meant to do good,” says weary marathoner, humorist, and World Run Day event coordinator Bill McDermott of New York City . He’s traveled the world this past year by regular mail, e-mail, by phone, and yes … by injured foot.

Created three years ago, World Run Day has been growing in concept worldwide. Likened to an Earth Day for the running community, World Run Day celebrates running and fitness – and charity too. This year’s event focuses on runners making voluntary donations directly to local charities. Virtually, every charity can benefit and all donations go directly to the charity of choice. How? Runners mail the checks directly to their charities.

It started in the United States , spread its way to the UK , Europe , Australia , New Zealand , and South Africa . It’s recognized by names such as World Run Day – London , World Run Day – Cincinnati , and even World Run Day – Cayman Islands !  Several Cincinnati runners, some immediate family members, were recently infected by the virus and are listed on the event website. Runners must beware! The charity bug may just run them down!

Once a runner registers for $15.99 (USD), the virus stops and an event t-shirt is mailed to the participant. The shirt is now looked upon as a status symbol. It’s really just a good luck omen for 2003. The World Run Day event is translated in several languages and is fueled by the worldwide repetitive phrase “it’s a great idea.”

Fending off comparison to the Pet Rock, and other pop-culture icons, McDermott responded  “…sure there may be similarities to the Pet Rock, but how much did the Pet Rock improve your health and more importantly how much did it raise for your local charities?” The Pet Rock, quite obviously in seclusion, was unable to be reached for comment.

For more information about World Run Day please contact the PRESS ROOM at www.runday.com or Bill McDermott at rundaypress@yahoo.com or 1 (917) 626-9623                                                           

                                                                  # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Contact:  Bill McDermott
1 917-626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com

RUNNERS CONNECTED WORLDWIDE TO

 RAISE FUNDS FOR FAVORITE CHARITIES

--Runner’s World Magazine and Active.com on-line registration sites are chosen by Runner for international day of charity --

New York, NY  November 1 – Whether they raise money for a children’s hospital in nearby Philadelphia, help the Amazon Rainforest all the way from London, or find special charitable meaning by themselves throughout Australia, every runner can “virtually connect” with each other on Sunday, November 10^th - World Run Day by simply running and making a charitable donation to their own favorite charity. Why should they do it? Because they can.

It all started with a simple idea: a one-day international running event to pay honor to both running and charitable giving. “The World’s never had an annual day for either,” explains World Run Day event coordinator Bill McDermott. In World Run Day there are both. “All we’re really missing is some major media press and a brigade of rock stars to make it hugely successful,” he says.

Over 300 separate on-line registration sites have been created for charity runners, with help from active.com, activeeurope.com, saactive.com and Australia ’s Start to Finish event management. They’ve all come together for an unprecedented day of charity with running as the focus. Registration sites were translated based upon each country’s official language. Event t-shirt manufacturers were chosen in the USA , UK , New Zealand , and South Africa . Each registrant gets a free World Run Day event t-shirt delivered just before or immediately after the event.

World Run Day was partly inspired by the quintessential running magazine, Runner’s World, with monthly editions available in various countries throughout the world. McDermott has spoken to the most passionate runners –the people of Runner’s World USA, Runner’s World UK , Runner’s World Australia/NZ, Runner’s World Sweden, and Runner’s World South Africa. They’ve graciously added some World Run Day content to some of the magazines in the past few years. Small advertisements were also placed.

For more information visit the Press Room at www.runday.com or contact Bill McDermott directly at either 917 626-9623 or rundaypress@yahoo.com.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Bill McDermott
World Run Day
1 (917) 626-9623
rundaypress@yahoo.com
www.runday.com

LOCAL RUNNERS CONNECTED FOR CHARITY NOVEMBER 10th

New York, NY - Sept. 12, 2002 - World Run Day, a 'virtual running event' to benefit local charity, will be held November 10, 2002 in over 200 cities worldwide. On-line event registration begins today at active.com and includes a free multi-colored event t-shirt.

Runners will be 'connected' from city-to-city and nation-to-nation on event day when they represent their cities and make donations to their own local charities. The Global Fitness and Charity Challenge is already sponsored by local media (Radio, TV, or Newspaper) in dozens of cities in exchange for their logo on the event t-shirt - now prized by runners
worldwide.

One-hundred percent of all runner donations go directly to their charity of choice. How? They simply run their own course, mail donations directly to their charity, and post their run-for-charity results on runday.com. "That's how these runners like it," explains World Run Day Event Coordinator Bill McDermott. "It's an opportunity to connect with the global running community, be creative, and also know exactly where their donation is going. It certainly makes them feel good inside and out."

In addition to creating hundreds of event registration web sites at active.com, McDermott is pacing himself and others to set up registration web sites in scores of European cities (with activeeurope.com) by early October, and many Australian and New Zealand cities as
well. Translators are also working to put sites in China and Japan as well.

In breaking stride from the traditional run-for-charity model, World Run Day appears to have
uncovered something much more dramatic looming over the horizon: An International Day of Charity activated by the running community - worldwide. "It's hard to believe, in over 2000 years of civilization we've never had an international day devoted strictly to either charity or running ... now we have both" states the U.S. Runner/Event Director.

"Now that's simply something you can run with," he says.

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Worldwide Charity Run Celebrates 4th Year! 

New York, NY - July 11, 2002 - World Run Day, the annual charity run celebrated worldwide, will be held November 10, 2002 this year. Charitable organizations, schools, running clubs, and other inspired groups around the world all help plan for this event. New interested groups are asked to register their large or small event on the runday.com event website - which also provides tools for hosting an event. 

The event website contains hundreds of charity links. It also has an assortment of running-fundraiser tools for charities to gain needed funds. Instructions on planning the event, sponsorship templates, tips and techniques assist World Run Day event directors year after year. The original World Run Day event was a small event held in Long Beach, New York in 1999. Now, over 20 locations worldwide are running with the idea. Leading the pack last year was the "World Run Day - Twin Cities" event which played host to over 850 runners!

A "free-style" World Run Day event accommodates runners unable to travel to a group event. For this event, runners follow a registration process made available starting in September, and are then mailed the official World Run Day event t-shirt. 

For additional information about World Run Day visit the event website located at www.runday.com or call (917) 626-9623.

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International Day of Charity Observed
World Run Day Goes Global for Third Straight Year! 

New York, NY - October 29, 2001 - Like architects building a skyscraper, forty running event directors worldwide continue to erect a day: World Run Day - The Global Fitness and Charity Challenge. The November 11th event, in its third straight year at www.runday.com,  again asks runners to run and donate to their own favorite charity.

On-line early bird registration is provided at www.active.com for only $9.99 plus shipping and handling. Registrants are mailed the colorful event t-shirt, and instructed to post their results on the event web site. They mail their donations directly to their charity of choice.

WTC-related charities are high on the minds of runners this year; but several hundred other charities need support and are listed together at the event web site. Additionally, the "virtual runner" can once again connect with runners worldwide by running his or her own favorite course and donating any amount to a charity.

Event locations as varied as Atlanta, London, Santiago, and Malta dot the landscape this year to raise money for various charities worldwide. Last year's event included less than 500 participants, prompting World Run Day creator Bill McDermott of  New York to boost participation. Once a well kept secret, this year he's enjoyed collaborating with over 40 passionate event directors worldwide (since January), to host the unique event. 

"This running event is the true vehicle for an international day of charity!" said McDermott, who also serves as a runner/webmaster and PR spokesperson for World Run Day. " I've also taken the liberty to highlight a brigade of rock stars who inspire this day with their music and charitable giving. We really hope they don't mind," he remarked. 

As we're surrounded by new charitable events and rock performances almost weekly since the World Trade Center attack, World Run Day will quietly assume the global stage on November 11th. And as images of  Sting, Eric Clapton, U2, and others tune-up their guitars for the virtual rock concert, runners are hoping for their day in the sun as well. Even the oft-badgered "bandit runner" can start a Brand New Day or Change The World on this day. They need not register, but more importantly - run and donate on November 11th! 

And how do runners erect a day? A foundation of creativity piled high with compassion generally works. Adding a colorful event t-shirt doesn't hurt either! Every single runner can participate in this international day of charity. 

Additional organizations, be they running organizations, schools, or municipalities, are requested to join 40 other event directors in the hosting of  a World Run Day event. Interested parties may contact World Run Day headquarters in New York City at runday2001@yahoo.com  

The website www.runday.com captures the essence of the third annual event with explanations of purpose, charity listings, listings of group events, and inspirational music. Advertising of the event has spread worldwide by using the most respected running-related magazines on the face of the earth and financed by World Run Day. 

For additional information about World Run Day visit the event website located at www.runday.com or call (917) 626-9623.

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World Run Day Planning Continues
Forty Charity Events Constructed Worldwide 

New York, NY - September 14, 2001 - Despite the terrorist attack on United States soil, World Run Day continues to make plans for its international run-charity event held this November 11, 2001. With support from 40 cities within 20 foreign countries, the worldwide event asks runners to both run and donate any amount to their own favorite charity on one special day.

Additional organizations, be they running organizations, schools, or municipalities, are requested to join 40 other event directors in the hosting of  a World Run Day event. Interested parties may contact World Run Day headquarters in New York City at runday2001@yahoo.com  Group event directors are specifically needed within the New York - Metropolitan area to help support charities associated with the World Trade Center disaster.

The website www.runday.com captures the essence of the third annual event with explanations of purpose, charity listings, listings of group events, and inspirational music. Advertising of the event has spread worldwide by using the most respected running-related magazines on the face of the earth. 

World Run Day assists event directors with ideas, sponsorship samples, and inspirational music in planning the World Run Day event. For additional information about World Run Day visit the event website located at www.runday.com or call (917) 626-9623.

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Charity Runs on World Run Day

New York, NY - June 17, 2001 - Event directors worldwide are snatching up real estate to host World Run Day - The Global Fitness & Charity Challenge! Already, twenty locations on the globe have agreed to host a World Run Day event, with more expected to follow. Complete listings are available at www.runday.com for this annual running event, held on November 11^th this year.

Likened in concept to last year's millennium celebration, and other mega-events, World Run Day also strives to capture the spectacular: fitness enthusiasts in a "global" same-day running event for their own favorite charity! Runners determine how they celebrate World Run Day and where their donations will go. This year, "group events"  (100 or more runners each) are currently being launched both nationally and internationally to accommodate participants.

Some event directors have a majestic location (Niagara Falls, Ontario), while others have exotic routes along important landmarks (US Embassy - Manila, Philippines). All events cater to extraordinary runners in extraordinary locales. Their heartfelt creativity will shine for great causes.

Bill McDermott, event coordinator, envisions a beautiful day looming on the horizon. "Sometimes we can't see the needs of others, wherever they may be. If the darkness is to keep us apart, then let the light of this day bring us together," he states.

World Run Day is headquartered in New York City's Empire State Building. It assists event directors with ideas, sponsorship samples, and inspirational music in planning the World Run Day event. For additional information about World Run Day visit the event website located at www.runday.com or call (917) 626-9623.

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World Run Day - Running Straight From The Heart

New York, NY - April 22, 2001 - World Run Day is a running event using the Internet's global reach to promote running and charity worldwide on November 11, 2001. For the event, individual participants run their own favorite distance and pledge to their own favorite charity. Their inspirational results pour out to the Internet on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd. It's a challenge straight from the hearts of runners. Early-bird registration starts today at www.active.com .

World Run Day is certainly unique. It's structured to be celebrated in each country, accommodate each and every runner, and support every charity. Local charities can benefit greatly. The event web site, www.runday.com , sports hundreds of charity links, highlights world charity records, has a press kit, and showcases inspirational music too. It's patterned after such mega-events as Earth Day and We Are The World; but is unmistakably a running event. It delivers on-line registration forms, individual result postings, celebratory event t-shirts, and bears a torch for 21st century idealism. 

Momentum is gaining for this one-day running fundraiser. Group events are already being planned in California, Kentucky, New York, Grand Cayman, and The Philippines - with room for many more! Each event director will be honored with the symbolic World Run Day Crystal Globe, individually crafted by Tiffany & Co., New York, NY. 

"It's a dramatic day for running and charity whose time has finally come," says Bill McDermott, World Run Day spokesperson, event founder, and a runner himself. 

World Run Day is headquartered in New York City's Empire State Building, and is devoted to bringing a great event to the worldwide running community. For additional information about World Run Day please visit the event website at www.runday.com  or call (917) 626-9623.

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Worldwide Runners Unite For Charity

'World Run Day' event raises $26,000

      New York, NY  Dec. 16 - On November 5, 2000, runners and walkers worldwide celebrated World Run Day II and raised over $26,000 in charitable donations. The global event asked runners everywhere to run and make a small pledge donation to "any charity on the face of the earth!" 

Participants earned a free event t-shirt and posted results on the www.runday.com website. After 2 years of "testing the waters" the event hopes to increase visibility in 2001 by offering registration incentives to clubs and organizations worldwide. Funds will also be raised for advertisements in major running magazines. World Run Day spokesman Bill McDermott proclaimed the event "a brand new day for running and charity, since multiple charities benefited directly and charity administrative expenses were reduced to near zero!"

Remarkably, everyone with Internet access can participate in this 'International Day of Charity' hosted by the worldwide running community. "We're starting to contact organizations now for World Run Day III , held November 11, 2001," noted McDermott. Registration starts in early January at www.active.com .

For more information visit www.runday.com or contact Bill McDermott at info@runday.com or phone 1 (917) 626-9623 for more information.

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World Run Day

An 'International Day of Charity' at runday.com

      New York, NY Oct. 29 - This Sunday, November 5, 2000, runners and walkers worldwide celebrate World Run Day, the mega-charity fundraiser! Runners everywhere are asked to run and make a small pledge donation to "any Charity on the face of the earth!" By registering at runday.com or active.com they can earn the FREE EVENT T-SHIRT.  Anyone with access to the Internet can register for this year 2000 historical event!

Results will be posted on the Internet Nov. 23rd - Thanksgiving Day in the USA. Participants may be part of what Runners World (runnersworld.com) said "may be the largest organized running event ever."

"Remarkably, everyone with Internet access can participate in this 'International Day of Charity' hosted by the worldwide running community," exclaims the enthusiastic Bill McDermott, World Run Day Event Coordinator. Registration websites for every state in the USA and many foreign country websites are already in place. The event seeks to combine the power of runners and the Internet to create one universal day devoted to charity.

McDermott muses, "it's been 2000 years and we still don't have one universal day devoted to charity! Maybe, just maybe, between the Power of Runners and the Power of the Internet we can create a magical day worldwide. I've seen a vision of this day framed with the emotion of the running community - it's image is more powerful than you can imagine..."

For more information visit www.runday.com or contact Bill McDermott at info@runday.com or phone 1 (917) 626-9623 for more information.

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World Run Day - A Runner's Dream

Taking steps toward a vision

             New York, N.Y. October 21.  World Run Day could be "the largest organized running event ever," according to the Runners World website www.runnersworld.com. The good news: The event offers free T-shirts to all runners (and walkers) paying the $10.99 registration fee. The best news: it's happening everywhere!

Event registration giant www.active.com has created over 60 registration sites worldwide to accommodate the event! Last year they had only one. Do they know something we don't know? Will the earth tremble?

Similar to events such as Earth Day and the Millennium Celebration: runners celebrate this event globally, and in their own special way. They can run in their own town, choose their favorite distance, run in an existing race, even on a treadmill! They also send a pledged dollar amount directly to the charity of their choice. Worldwide totals from the event will be announced Thanksgiving Day 2000.

For it's global presence,  www.runday.com is translated in multiple languages, has some of the biggest running websites on the internet as sponsors (www.runtheplanet.com , www.run-down.com , www.runnersweb.com ), and also has the full support of the International Public Relations Association, and a Manhattan-based PR firm PIMS Inc. Sysoft Inc. handles web support for posting running & charity results.

"When you think about this event,"  McDermott muses, "it's been 2000 years and we still don't have one universal day devoted to charity! Maybe, just maybe, between the Power of Runners and the Power of the Internet we can create a magical day worldwide. I've seen a vision of this day framed with the emotion of the running community - it's image is more powerful than you can imagine…"

The event shirt is special too. Several different colors were used to create a one-of-a-kind t-shirt - with no expenses spared. Bulk orders (100+) allowed group customization on the shirt backing. The Long Beach, NY World Run Day this year (9:00 AM - The Boardwalk) will have each runner's name listed on the back of the event t-shirt. Priority mail delivery is promised after the event (before Christmas, most likely before Thanksgiving). It's different. "Runners, yeah, we are different!"

For more information visit www.runday.com or contact Bill McDermott at runday2000@yahoo.com or phone 1 (917) 626-9623 seven days a week.

#

WWOR-TV "GOOD NEWS" MAKES HISTORY

Reports on World Run Day, November 5, 2000

NEW YORK, NY – October 13, 2000 - The UPN Network (wwor-tv) made broadcast history today when it scooped the always-competitive New York news media in broadcasting news of  World Run Day - The Global Fitness and Charity Challenge.

The historic internet-based running event (a.k.a. 'The World's First International Day of Charity') asks runners globally to run on November 5th and make a donation to their favorite charity. The website www.runday.com explains the event in detail.

The broadcast competed against a New York Yankee ALCS game on another network. The Good News segment featured an explanation of the event by UPN News 9 reporter Ernie Anastos. Good News producer Rob Bell interviewed World Run Day spokesperson Bill McDermott in New York's Central Park earlier in the day. Surviving the broadcast editing table, Angie Henderson of the Bronx was shown running and also exclaiming "I think it's a great idea. I think it's super!" Paul Bennet of the Long Beach Road Runners Club was also filmed running (and although not shown, agreed too that the event was a good idea!) 

World Run Day seeks to live up to the press already seen on www.runnersworld.com as "the biggest running event of all time." UPN deserves credit for their excellent portrayal of the event and reaching one of our milestones in getting the event visible, McDermott later commented. "We hope other news media organizations participate in spreading the word."

When interviewed, McDermott was asked what motivates him to organize the World Run Day event. His response: "The fuel that I have is that everyone said it's a great idea, and that's all I really need."

World Run Day t-shirts are provided free to runners who pay the $10.99 registration fee entitling them to participate in an international mega-charity event with runners all over the globe. The fee goes towards posting results on the internet. The one-of-a-kind t-shirt and postage is free! (The money used to go towards the shirt and postage - starting today it goes towards the ease of registration and the opportunity to participate with worldwide running partners.)

Runners can register at www.runday.com or directly at www.active.com .

#

Joint Press Release issued by World Run Day and www.active.com

Online Registration Now Available For 
World Run Day, November 5th !

Get Active! 

NEW YORK, NY – October 12, 2000 - Online registration is now available worldwide for World Run Day - The Global Fitness and Charity Challenge, a November 5th event that unites runners from across the globe in a celebration of fitness and charity. Participants worldwide can now register online at www.active.com. 

World Run Day, which highlights the health benefits of running and increases awareness for
humanitarian efforts worldwide, allows participants to donate their registration fee to the charity of their choice. Through Active.com’s (www.active.com) online registration services, World Run Day participants can register online, specify their favorite charity at the time of registration, and receive an e-mail confirmation within a few minutes. Registrants will also receive a free t-shirt. 

“We’re rapidly expanding registration sites to include Germany, Australia, Denmark, and many
others,” said Bill McDermott, World Run Day spokesperson. “November 5th will certainly be an Active.com day for charity runners worldwide.” 

Active.com’s Web site will be handling all registration for the mega-charity event, referred to as the biggest running event ever by Runner’s World magazine (Reference: www.runnersworld.com, Daily News, July 20, 2000). 

“World Run Day is not just the Global Fitness and Charity Challenge,” added McDermott. “This event may also be ‘the registration challenge,’ but Active.com is the only Web site in the world that can pull this off!” 

Active.com currently provides online registration for more than 15,000 events worldwide and is
continually enhancing its technology infrastructure. "We’re always looking ahead to safeguard the event directors we support. Our goal is to provide the best service in the industry – and throughout the world," said Dana Blackwood, sales representative, Active.com. 

Get active on World Run Day. Register at www.active.com or www.runday.com. For more
information, call 917-626-9623. 

#
(Running Clubs worldwide are urged to announce this event, by website or newsletter, to club members). 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                  World Run Day Event Sponsors Announced


New York, N.Y. October 2 - World Run Day - The Global Fitness and Charity Challenge - announced it's sponsors for the November 5th World Run Day ( www.runday.com ) international charity event. 

With many of the largest running sites on the planet, www.runtheplanet.com , www.runnersweb.com , and www.run-down.com , public relations professionals at
 www.pimsinc.com , and the International Public Relations Association at www.ipranet.org , World Run Day hopes to spread the word of it's event to runners in remote corners of the globe. The charity megasite Idealist  www.idealist.org  is also a large media sponsor while GU Energy Gel www.gusports.com  lends it's support too.

The event asks runners to run any distance and donate to "any charity on the face of the earth." A commemorative World Run Day t-shirt for registered participants is available at www.active.com . Results will be posted on the Internet by Thanksgiving Day.

World Run Day spokesperson Bill McDermott stated "with these, and possibly other partners, a new run-for-charity concept can be experienced, and one day fully realized." 

                                                                 ###

(Running Clubs worldwide are urged to announce this event, by website or newsletter, to club members). ( www.metrotri.com was subsequently added) 

NEWSDAY - October 26, 2000

  John Hanc's - Running Column

 
World Run Day:
 
Last year, Bill McDermott created World Run Day - a loosely structured, Earth Day-style event in which people are encouraged to run - in an existing race or just on their own - they donate money directly to a favorite charity. For this year's event, the Long Beach runner has spread the word through the Internet and reports that New Zealand has now recognized Nov. 5 as World Run Day. Of course, around here, it's NYC Marathon Sunday. But that shouldn't detract from the laudable goal of this event, which McDermott says, is to combine "the power of runners and the power of the Internet to create one universal day devoted to charity." For more information, visit www.runday.com or e-mail McDermott directly at runday2000@yahoo.com.

www.runnersworld.com - July 20, 2000

  Runners World Magazine's on-line daily news

http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/July/000720.html

daily bookmark: 

World Run Day: www.runday.com 
On Sunday, November 5, 2000, runners from every continent will celebrate World Run Day. Organizers of this annual Internet-based event hope to capture the enthusiasm behind such global charity happenings as Earth Day and Live Aid. Athletes can choose to run for any of the 15,000 charities represented, and take part in what may be the largest organized running event ever. 

THE WORLD'S FITTEST COUPLE

Peter Reid & Lori Bowden's E-Radio Program

  EYADA.COM Broadcast July 23; appeared again on Oct 23.

Summary of an interview by the world's most fit couple  and World Run Day Event Coordinator Bill McDermott (Canada to New York, by telephone).  (www.eyada.com - Peter & Lori) 

The interview began with Lori asking Bill questions about how the event World Run Day was founded. Bill responded that it was a vision he had in 1999 after toying with some clip art. The ultimate running event,  he imagined, would be a "World Run Day." It would be similar to earth day and be a significant day for all runners on a global basis. The real breakthrough came when thinking about how many runners ( including himself) run in events that benefit charity. What charity would World Run Day benefit? Why not all. "Let the runner decide" was the logical answer for the spirit of the day. After spending his vacation days and some "charitable dollars" to help create the event,  he plans to offer the shirt, at cost, to runners that promise to run and donate on November 5th.  

The interview continued regarding the quality of the t-shirt, where Lori and Peter would be on World Run Day 2000 (answer: probably running somewhere), and expectations for the event this year. Peter was kind and lighthearted when Bill asked how he (Peter) fared in his triathlon earlier in the day. Peter joked that Bill shouldn't be asking those types of questions when the show's host has a bad day - an unfortunate flat on the bike segment hindered Peter's performance. (Peter is a former Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Champion, as is his wife Lori.) --- our best to both in Hawaii!

Bill also mentioned that there may be Olympic-style World Run Day pins available overseas this year - a  proposal currently under evaluation with a Canadian manufacturer. World Run Day will be looking for overseas distributors - especially near the Sidney Olympic site.

postscript:
Peter Reid won the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in October 2000

Watertown Daily Times - June 18, 2000

  Doug Sherman

Reprinted from a weekly running column (6/18/2000) covering the Watertown, NY running scene. 

Published on Sunday, June 18, 2000 , Page D1 , Watertown Daily Times

"CHARITY BEGINS ON FOOT, BUT KNOW HOW TO PLAN" 

Runners, a cardiologist will tell you, have big hearts.

Using a race as a fund-raiser is an example of that big heartedness. Instead of holding more traditional events such as rummage sales, car washes or banquets, runners hold road races.

As one race director put it, a 5K is over a lot sooner than a dinner. This spring there were three first-time, fund-raising races in Northern New York, one each in Lewis, St. Lawrence and Jefferson county. The charities were the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Salvation Army and the Lyme Community Foundation. Each had a different measure of success. For Bruce Emery, race director of the Croghan Make-A-Wish race, the success was in the number of entries and the foundation built for the future. He raised $3,000 for the Central New York chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, thanks to sponsors’ donations as well as race entries, and had the largest field of the three events. He had a 5K and a 10K, operating under the idea that the event should be all that he wanted it to be right from the start.

In St. Lawrence County, Matt Tessier organized the Run For the Border Marathon that “broke even.” He raised $4,000 from sponsors and entry fees, but after paying prize money to the top three men and top three women and renting portable latrines (one of which was stolen), Tessier said expenses equaled income. Tessier said he hopes that the prize money will attract a larger field in the years to come. 

Julie Putnam, co-race director of the Race de Chaumont, said the event raised approximately $1,100 for the Lyme Community Foundation. She, too, is hoping the race will catch on and become a spring ritual. “We want it to grow to 150 or more runners. We want people to say, ‘It’sMemorial Day, let’s run in Chaumont,’ she said. Quick cash? Hardly. There’s salesmanship involved as well as dozens of pre-race hours spent organizing and checking all the details. Problems arise. Tessier had to change his course when his measuring device broke down. Putnam found out the week of her race that the company she ordered the trophies from would be unable to deliver. Experience is the best solution to most problems.

The Watertown YMCA has a race committee, a group of volunteers and paid staff who solicit sponsors for the Y’s major races — the Shamrock, the Women’s Run, the Turkey Day run and the Last Run of the Century. The committee does almost everything else, too, from stuffing the packets with shirts, racing bib numbers and safety pins, to standing on the street corner pointing runners in the right direction.

But how do you take an idea for a race and make it reality? Putnam said she got the idea for a race when she was standing around at the start of the Shamrock and noticed how many people there were who were just like her; willing to pay $10 or $12 to run. “I would stand around at the start of the Turkey run, or the Shamrock and see hundreds of others, all of them paying a certain amount of  money to be there,” Putnam said. Putnam said she and the other board members did a lot of selling, getting sponsors to sign on, but that “it was a good cause and it wasn’t too bad.” “It’s cheap advertising for them and a way to contribute, too.”

Putnam said the race benefited from the experience others had with organizing the Lyme Triathlon, but that problems did arise. Help, naturally, is just a mouse click away.
Charity-Sports.org, a Web site devoted to helping people set up a fund-raising sports event, will get any first-time race director up and running, or at least jogging. The site has a page of tips compiled from fund-raising experts. The tips include advice on the timing of the event, how to get volunteers and how to start selling it. The best advice, however, may be contained in the one about databases: “Establish databases for potential participants, potential sponsors and for those who will donate products or services. Don’t overlook companies that may be able to help out in auxiliary areas — by sponsoring signs and printing, for example.” Take a look at the back of a race T-shirt. Most have a virtual billboard of sponsors’ logos. Many will give organizers food or water, for example, for a spot on a T-shirt. Charity-Sports.org also lists events by region and includes the beneficiary and a link to the beneficiary’s Web site. A growing number of charities offer training and expense-paid trips for marathons across the world, provided the runner raises a certain dollar amount in pledges. It’s a proven way to train for a marathon and while raising money for a charity. It offers motivation, a crucial element of any would-be marathoner. The Junior Arthritis Foundation’s Joints In Motion team is such a program, as is the Central New York Leukemia Society Team in Training and the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation Inc. Runners from Northern New York have completed marathons for each during the last six months.

It’s as simple as that.

Long Island Newsday - 1999

  John Hanc

Reprinted from a weekly running column (10/16/99) covering the Long Island running scene. 

"His Dream Runs a Path For Collision"

Bill McDermott has a dream. A somewhat fuzzy, maybe even unrealistic dream, but one in which he sincerely believes.

Maybe you will, too.

McDermott, a veteran runner from Long Beach, has cooked up something he calls World Run Day 1999. The date: Nov. 7. Problem is, there's another running event scheduled for that day; a little local race called the New York City Marathon.

That doesn't seem to concern McDermott because World Run Day is more of a consciousness-raising exercise and less of an event.

The idea is this: On Nov. 7, you run, and you give to charity. Where do you run? Wherever you want. If you're doing New York, that's your World Run. If you do three miles on your treadmill while watching New York on TV, that counts, too. Any distance, any speed, any place. Then you write a check to your favorite charity. Any charity on the face of the Earth, McDermott says. Donate any amount. Let the runner decide, that was my rule.

That's about the only rule in this event. But it doesn't mean McDermott hasn't worked hard to pull it together. He's got a dedicated phone line and Web site, a logo, brochures, and above all a determination to make World Run Day a success. Still, one suspects it's going to take time for this noble but subtle idea to catch on, and that his goal of 1 million people running as part of this on Nov. 7 may be a tad optimistic.

McDermott is forging ahead, despite the scheduling conflict with the marathon, despite the size of the task. Dreams will do that to you. "I just have a vision and it may take some time to catch on," he said.

For more information on World Run Day, call 212 916-1365*, or visit his Web site www.runday.com

* Charitable Organizations contact 1 (917) 626-9623  starting June 1, 2000.

Long Beach Herald - October 1999

  Denis Devine

Reprinted from a weekly column (10/28/99) called Driftwoods serving Long Beach, NY. 

"Get in stride, the photo, & conversation"

---

... And how's this for idealism in action?

Long Beach runner Bill McD. is on a crusade some will call Quixotic, others will find inspiring. Every great thing starts from a small seed.

Bill has declared Sunday, November 7 (* the1999 date), "World Run Day." Now, half of the world will be running that day already in the New York City Marathon, so Bill's at least got a predisposed audience.

He sees "World Run Day" as a day that people can run anywhere, any distance, and donate money to a charity of your choice. Bill is donating proceeds from the sale of his World Run Day t-shirts (they're quite nice) to Long Beach Regional Catholic School. For more information, check out his web-site, www.runday.com , or call (212) 971-1365. (* in 2000:  917 626-9623).