Apple just gave us a reason to put on our Apple Watch and go for a run today

The Global Running Day Award is a limited-time-only badge that can be yours if you run a 5k today

Apple Watch Global Running Day virtual badge
(Image credit: Apple (AI-generated background))

It's Global Running Day today, and Apple just gave us a very good reason to strap on our Apple Watch and go for a run in the form of a Limited Edition Award, only available to earn today.

Since the iOS 9.2 update, the Apple Watch has become a very decent running watch, capable of tracking a number of advanced running metrics, including Running cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation.

Which is a long-winded way to say that many people use the Apple Watch to track their runs, especially the newer models, such as the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, thanks to their faster chip and brighter screen that's easier to read in the sunlight. 

Even if you don't run every day, today's the day when you want to head out and record a running workout to earn this special badge. The only criteria is that you must cover a distance of at least 5 km (approx. 3.5 miles); however, you can go for longer if you want to.

(Sadly, you won't get more than one badge, no matter how far you run.)

The Global Running Day: Limited Edition Award looks pretty swanky. It's reminiscent of a 3-lane, rainbow-coloured running track in enclosing a sign saying '2024'. There is also a small, blue roundel inside ther lanes with the running workout logo.

Make sure you head out for a run today and log it on your Apple Watch – you have until midnight to complete your run (we recommend doing earlier, though). If you haven't got an Apple Watch yet, check out T3's roundup of the best Apple Watch deals; thankfully, there are many offers available on these superb smartwatches!

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.