National 5K Day is a day to celebrate the competition of 5K running races. 5 Kilometer running races is
one of the most popularly contested distances in the running world. It first showed up in the Olympics in
1912 and is now contested in cross country, track and field, and road races among all ages and abilities,
including middle school, high school, collegiate, amateur and professional athletes globally. It is a very
popular distance used for community road race events. Valentine's day, St. Patty's day, 4th of July,
Turkey Trots, Christmas runs - you name it, and you can find an associated 5K to enter.

National 5K day is a day to support all those who love 5K races. This means supporting race directors,
and runners alike who organize and participate in 5K racing. There is a lot that goes into a 5K race behind
the scenes from designing a safe course, getting course permits and insurance, timing the event,
designing bibs and awards, and competing at a much more grueling pace than a 10K, half or full
marathon. The day is being created to honor the organizers and the to honor the challenge and reward it
provides its racing participants. 5Ks have also been a great way to raise funds for numerous charitable
causes.