Running shows up in our lives in different ways. 

Sometimes it helps us begin again. Sometimes it carries us through something challenging or unexpected. Sometimes it simply reminds us that we’re still here, still moving, still capable of more than we thought. 

The stories ahead aren’t about perfect races or perfect plans. They’re about real people finding their way forward. Through loss, through growth, through change. One step at a time. 

This Global Running Day, we’re honoring the journeys behind the run and the strength it takes to keep going. 

In 2007 I had open heart surgery; Since then I have passed the distances over 42 km, more than 80 times. Now I do ultratrail, 100 miles.

“In 2007 I had open heart surgery; Since then I have passed the distances over 42 km, more than 80 times. Now I do ultratrail, 100 miles.”

In two months I'll be in the 2026 Chicamocha Canyon Race, 100 miles. For me, walking and running is a lifestyle. It helps me stay active, after more than 15 times under general anesthesia. 

Marcelo, USA

Step by step, I took steps back to baby. Today, Ridglea Louise is four years old.

Since her first birthday, I have crossed four half-marathon finish lines, two Hyrox finish lines, and more 5Ks than I can count. What I did not anticipate was who was watching.  

My son Ryker is nine. He grew up seeing his mom run - not a mom who talked about running someday, but one who actually put on her shoes and went. He asked to run. So he ran. He has now competed in two AAU Cross Country Nationals, came home with a medal last year, and is racing racewalk this year.  

I never set out to raise a runner. I just refused to stop being one. Loss taught me that the body remembers how to move even when the heart has forgotten how to hope - and somehow, without meaning to, I passed that on.  

We are out there together now. That is the whole story. That is everything. 

Jordann, USA 

If someone told me in October 2025 that I would fall in love with running, complete over 16 races in 2026, lose over 125 pounds in the health journey I began in July 2025, and now be training for a half marathon, I probably would not have believed them and maybe even laughed.

Somewhere along the way, running stopped being about pace, distance, or medals. It became proof that I can do hard things. Running forced me to check in with myself and choose me, which is something I've historically struggled with. It taught me patience when my body needed me to slow down and grace when progress felt slower than I wanted.  

What keeps me coming back is the reminder that forward motion still counts.  

Some days that means a strong race effort. Other days, it means simply showing up when motivation is nowhere to be found. Running reminded me that progress does not have to be perfect to matter and that rest, patience, and persistence can exist together. Mile by mile, it became my way of rebuilding trust in myself.  

To put it simply: running changed my life, helped me reconnect with myself, rediscover my confidence and discipline, and prove to myself that I was capable. 

And somewhere along the way, I found my Saucony Guides.  

My Saucony Guides have carried me through training runs, race mornings, doubts, and victories. There is something symbolic about wearing a shoe called the Guide, because running has truly guided me forward physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

“To put it simply: running changed my life, helped me reconnect with myself, rediscover my confidence and discipline, and prove to myself that I was capable.”

Running also reminded me that I am never truly alone. Whether it is encouragement from strangers, runners of all paces showing up, or knowing thousands of others are out there choosing themselves too, running became something bigger than me.  

So for me, running is not just exercise. It is healing, discipline, community, and a comeback story.  

And if someone is watching my journey, I hope they know you do not have to have it all figured out to start. You do not have to be the fastest, fittest, or most confident to belong in this community. Start where you are. Celebrate the small wins. Because some days strength looks like a PR, and other days it looks like simply lacing up your shoes and trying.  

Running taught me that it is not about competing with everyone else. It is you vs. you, becoming 1% better every day,  and learning to be proud of how far you have come. 

Dr. Christal-Joy, USA 

From that moment on, I started training with greater intensity, focusing on achieving bigger goals and discovering my limits. I continued with half marathons (21K), and after mastering them, I moved on to marathons races.

Over the years, I've been motivated by my condition, my family, and my dreams. When I go for a run, I disconnect from the world; during that time, it's just me and my music. Now, I've completed ultramarathons of up to 100K.

I've come close to my limits, but at 47, I've discovered that my limits are still beyond my reach - and I hope I never fully reach them.   

Antonio, Canada 

When I was invited to a run club, I was nervous about keeping up because I saw myself as a strength trainer, not a runner. At the time, the club was small, and I ended up being the first female member.  

We took a photo at the end of the run which was posted to social media. As the weeks went on, the number of females grew, and some told me their attendance was due to the fact that they saw me, another girl, in the photos online. The club has since grown exponentially and I have made many strong friendships through the sport. 

I have developed such a love for running and have now completed one full marathon and five half marathons, my latest being four days ago during which I achieved a new PB on the toughest course I have run. Running is important to me because it has increased my resilience and strength, not only physically, but mentally. It has shown me that even when things get difficult, I can persist and overcome.

It has given me many gifts that I do not take for granted. 

Rachelle, Canada