National Running Day and Westin Hotel’s Introduction of Run With a View!

photo: http://www.backonmyfeet.org/nationalrunningday2015

Tomorrow, June 3rd, is National Running Day, a day for runners to rejoice in everything positive about running! Most runners celebrate National Running Day by, ummmm, you guessed it – running!

Many running teams and organizations sponsor formal and informal running events and races.  For example, the New York Road Runners Club, has a series of events all day for runners of all ages and levels in all five boroughs of New York City.

In the hospitality industry, Westin Hotels & Resorts (part of the Starwood Hotel Group) has taken the lead in promoting running by, among other things, hiring Running Concierges, leading organized runs and even lending running gear and shoes to it’s guests.

Continuing their commitment, this year, over 50 U.S. Westin Hotels and Resorts and 1,200 staff members are participating in 5k programs in various cities including New York City, San Diego, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Some of Westin’s own associates are marathon first-timers, so they’re receiving custom training assistance from resident RunWESTIN Concierge, Chris Heuisler.  As written by Kristin Heise, the Social Media Strategist for NJFPR:

Chris will host the Westin New York Grand Central’s 5k run in New York City tomorrow morning at 10:30 am with New York Yankees pitcher, David Robertson, making an appearance to root on the runners. Hotel staff and guests, as well as New York residents and visitors are welcome to stop by the hotel to participate or show their support.

Oh, I wish the NYC run was earlier in the morning or later in the evening, so I could join in! Maybe another time, Westin?

Additionally, this year, on National Running Day, Westin Hotels is launching Run With a View, a new program that encourages guests to take their runs outside by bringing the signature runWESTIN™ maps to life through photography. Run Concierges across select Westin properties in the U.S. and Canada have hand-selected at least five spots along the local 3 and 5 mile maps that are ideal for capturing inspiring wellness-themed photos to share on social media.

Through The Westin Well-being Movement and the brand’s Move Well pillar, Run With a View allows guests to look at their fitness routine through a new lens.  Starting June 3^rd, before heading out on their run, guests can check in with their local Run Concierge to locate the five picture perfect wellness spots on the map, as well as learn the interesting background on why these locations make for an engaging social media upload. Guests are encouraged to snap and post these moments on their social media channels with #runwestin and #runwithaview.

I think this is a fabulous idea – I love taking photos of all the beautiful sites I see when I run!  I’m happy to share this photo I took yesterday while running along Media Harbor in Dusseldorf, Germany!  I love the buildings and their reflection in the water!