We Run the Parks - National Challenge

 www.WeRunTheParks.com 

THE 2024 CHALLENGE: Run, walk, bike or hike at least 24 DIFFERENT park trails to earn your medal (We increase the number every year to reflect the current year). You must post your efforts online via the "Manage My Registration" Tab at www.weruntheparks.com - Invite friends to join! They can join anytime.  

WE RUN THE PARKS® starts Jan 1, 2024 (You may sign up anytime during the year)  and ends at the end of the calendar year. We ship shirts out after you register starting April 1, 2024. Medals must be earned and will ship separately after the close of the event. 

Need help posting your runs? Learn more here: https://www.5kevents.org/navigating.html 

"WE RUN THE PARKS®" is a self-guided run, walk or hike challenge designed to get people outdoors, to begin re-engaging with others, and exercising.  

THE 4th ANNUAL NATIONAL CHALLENGE: run, walk or hike as many different National, State, or Local trails as possible in the calendar year. Log at least 24 trail runs, walks, Bike rides or hikes to earn your finishers medal. Take your time and enjoy the journey. This unique REMOTE RUNNERS® experience is designed to get people outdoors and moving.

Running or walking outdoors is encouraged for your fitness and mental well-being. For most this will not be a race, but an opportunity to explore the local parks in our community.  

 EVENT FEATURES:

• Electronic check in for easy tracking 
• Team and Individual Tracking - See real results for all online
• While this is not a race, the option to compete with others is optional.
• OPTIONAL Performance wear short sleeve t-shirt (unisex, ladies' fit, youth)
• Virtual Race Bib (Download under the "Manage my registration" tab above
• Commemorative Finisher's Medal upon completion
• Commemorative Certificate of completion 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

STEP 1: Register for the event

STEP 2: Run, Walk, Bike, or Hike any trail, anywhere in the USA. 

STEP 3: The goal is to complete at least 24 park trails (National, State, or Local) to earn your medal.

Log each of your runs, walks, Bike rides, or hikes via the "Manage my registration" tab above.  LEARN HOW to Access your PERSONAL DASHBOARD – CLICK HERE

STEP 4: Celebrate! We will be sending out promotions and specials as this program evolves. 

Rules: 

• There is no designated start time or date to complete your run/walks. Run or walk at your pace and your time. The event ends at year end.
• All Run packets will be mailed to participants starting April 1, 2024, and then every 7 days afterward as people sign up.
• Remember, this is a self-guided run/walk. Stay hydrated, water must be provided by the participant. 
• Pick up after yourself and help keep our parks clean. 

New to running? DOWNLOAD our ZERO to 5K program - Many newcomers to running become discouraged by the difficulty associated with the activity because they start too fast and push too hard. Their bodies rebel and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to run in the first place. The Zero to 5K program has been specifically designed to instill a love of running and ends with participating in your first timed 5K See our event directory here: https://5kevents.raceentry.com/  

We’re here to help you achieve your goal(s), be it your first 5K, improving your run, or simply offering a resource where you can run with a group that is designed to help each other stay motivated. You should ease into your 5K training plan gradually. In fact, the program we provide is less of a running regimen than a walking and jogging program. The idea is to transform you from a non-runner, getting you to begin running a 5K ( or 3.1 miles) and on a regular basis in just 4 weeks.  

It’s easy to get impatient, and you may feel tempted to skip ahead in the program but hold yourself back. Don’t try to do more, even if you feel you can. If, on the other hand, you find the program too strenuous, just stretch it out. Don’t feel pressured to continue faster than you’re able. Repeat weeks if needed and move ahead only when you feel you’re ready.