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This year, Global Running Day is on June 4. Like most unofficial holidays, it is a day not only about celebrating our shared love of running—it’s also an excuse for brands to roll out deals and promotions on everything from shoes, to gear, to race registrations.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first real pair of running shoes or a veteran runner planning your next big race, it’s worth checking out the sales and discounts on offer before you stock up on gear or register for that half-marathon. I’ve scoured the web for this year’s best deals, found below, so you can celebrate Global Running Day with a fatter wallet (just don’t let it weigh you down during your next run).
Race registration deals for Global Running Day 2025
You might think you’ll never get into running organized races. I was like you, once: a casual runner who scoffed at the idea of paying money to run. Then I was coerced into running a 5k for charity. Then I experienced the high of crossing the finish line. Now, six marathons later, I understand why people budget races into their life. Because once you enter the world of racing, costs can quickly add up.
If you want to save on signup fees, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is hosting a 24-hour sale on race registrations, and 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.
The timing couldn’t be better if you’re looking to sign up for a fall marathon or half-marathon. These races typically sell out, and with savings that can reach up to $130 off regular pricing, it’s worth checking out their destination events if you’re planning a run-cation. Think locales like Las Vegas, San Diego, Nashville, and Washington D.C. The sale starts June 4 at 12 a.m. PT.
The best Global Running Day sales on running shoes and gear
As someone who goes through two to three pairs of running shoes per year, I’ve learned to time my purchases well. I’ve done some digging, and can report there are significant discounts taking place in the running world right now, even if the shoe sales aren’t always explicitly tied to Global Running Day.
Running shoe sales
I’m a huge advocate for Saucony in general, and specifically the Ride 18 model, so I always speak up when they’re on sale. Light, soft, and responsive, these were my shoes of choice when I ran the NYC Marathon in 2023, and you can find them for a good discount at the moment.
Alternately, the HOKA Clifton 10 is perfect for runners seeking a comfortable running shoe that seamlessly transitions to casual wear. Right now, they are available for as low as $147.86 (women’s) and $149.18 (men’s).
Sales on running gear and Garmin fitness watches
Speaking of Hoka, their site has a “Global Running Day “tag filled with offers on shoes, shirts, and caps. Amazon similarly has a Global Running Day sale, and although it’s skimpy, it does feature a selection of lightweight shoes available for under $100.
There are also solid deals on running watches right now—specifically the Garmin Forerunners, aka the best dedicated running watches on the market. Here are the strongest deals I’ve seen as of this writing:
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The Forerunner 265 is $349.99 (down from $449.99)
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The Forerunner 255 is $299 (down from $399.99)
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The Forerunner 955 is $369.99 (down from $499.99)
Digital motivation and community
I do this one every year: Visit globalrunningday.org to sign up for the official NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 5K so you can “run with the world.” There’s something incredibly motivating about knowing runners across the globe are lacing up their shoes for the same celebration. Plus, it feels good to be part of all those names on the Strava leaderboard.
You can run the virtual 5K anywhere, anytime between May 31 and June 8. Race results will be available on the NYRR Results site and in your NYRR dashboard by Thursday, June 12.
My shopping strategy for maximizing my savings on running gear
Having navigated countless running sales over the years, I want to share my approach for scoring a deal: prioritize shoes first (they’re your most important and expensive piece of gear), then look for discounts on upcoming races you want to register for, and finally browse deals for gear and other items you’ve been putting off purchasing. In general, keep an eye out for curated packages from specialty running stores—they often provide great value and introduce you to products you might not have discovered otherwise.
Don’t get caught up in buying something just because it’s on sale. Stick to brands and models you’ve researched or used and loved before. The key is knowing what you need and acting quickly—the best deals tend to sell out fast, especially in popular sizes and colors. Set those alarms for early morning shopping, just like you would for a long training run.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some online shopping to do before I head out to log my Global Running Day miles.
