Running is one of the few sports that can be done almost anywhere. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and the desire to run. In return you will gain an immediate boost to your physical and mental strength, as well as long-lasting health benefits.

August 31, 2008 is the Nike+ Human Race. To support the event, we will be running this 10K race in Philadelphia and San Francisco. Whether an avid or occasional runner, participating in the Human Race will allow you to celebrate the sport and feel good about yourself. Every step you run will count toward one of three noble causes, Lance Armstrong Foundation, The UN Refugee Agency, and WWF. Click Read More for additional information.

Whether running the Human Race on the road or at home on your treadmill, you can join a specific challenge, such as Men vs. Women, City vs. City, and Rock vs. Hip Hop. Some of the participating cities are Los Angeles, New York City, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, London, Melbourne, Sao Paulo, Taipei, Vancouver, and Warsaw. Join one of the challenges, or run anywhere else with Nike. For more information on the event, visit Nike+ to track your runs, participate in challenges, and join the largest running club in the world.

Traveling? Don’t let that stop you from running. If you need to know where to run, browse Run the Planet for running travel information and unique and special running routes, from North America to Europe to Africa and all the great places in between. They also have excellent tips on how to keep running when traveling.

Health benefits of running have been studied extensively and are well documented. Notably, a recently published study (the Archives of Internal Medicine) found that over the year, regular joggers, compared with “never-exercisers”, “showed improved aerobic capacity, better cardiovascular fitness, increased bone mass, fewer inflammatory markers, less physical disability, better response to vaccinations and even improved thinking, learning and memory. They also lived significantly longer.”

Reaping these and other benefits of running requires careful planning to avoid the risk of injuries, exhaustion, and dehydration, as well as dedication to the sport.

Health tips for runners:

+ If you are new to running, or have health problems, contact your doctor to obtain appropriate counseling and advice on your running regimen.

+ Wear light clothing and appropriate running shoes.

+ Run at a pace suitable for your health status and comfortable for your body.

+ To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water before, during (for longer runs), and after the run.

+ If running outside, use sunscreen to avoid sun burns and skin damage.

+ If traveling, find a path to allow for a safe and injury-free run, and always let someone know where you are running.

Nike Plus
Nike Plus Human Race
RunTex on the Human Race

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