Running Day was proclaimed in Georgia to recognize the state's large running community and promote health. The proclamation cited that almost two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, especially among youth, and that running is a simple and effective form of exercise that can help address this issue. It designated June 3, 2009 as Running Day in Georgia to join a national effort by running organizations to promote the sport's health benefits through various activities.

1. By the Governor of the State of Georgia
A Proclamation
Running Day
Whereas: A large number of Georgia residents are avid runners, and the state is
home to several national and world-class running events, including the Peachtree
Road Race, held each year with 55,000 participants; and
Whereas: Almost two-thirds of the nation’s adults are overweight or clinically obese,
and obesity rates among children and adolescents have doubled and even tripled in
some age groups over the past three decades. Overweight youth age 10-15 face an
80 percent chance of becoming obese adults; and
Whereas: Running is a simple, highly effective, low-cost form of exercise that can be
conveniently enjoyed by virtually anyone; and
Whereas: The Atlanta Track Club has joined with other prominent U.S. road racing
and track and field organizations in a grassroots effort to promote running through
a variety of National Running Day activities; now
Therefore: I, SONNY PERDUE, Governor of the state of Georgia, do hereby proclaim
June 3, 2009 as RUNNING DAY in Georgia.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive
Department to be affixed this 28th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand
nine.