“World’s Largest Running Event” to be held in 25 cities

I’ve written about international running events before, but there’s a race coming up that’s worth mentioning: The Human Race, which is being billed as “the world’s largest running event.” I like the scope of it—in 25 countries—and even though the races won’t be simultaneous, they’ll all take place on August 31. There’s something to be said about the one million people expected to participate in the 10K (6.2 mile) race within a few hours of each other, with the same thought in mind.

Sure, it’s sponsored by a corporation (Nike), but maybe only a company of that size could pull it off worldwide. And it’s for a good cause—athletes can choose which of three charities to support: the Lance Armstrong Foundation, UN Refugee Agency, or WWF.

You may find yourself close enough to one of the race cities—they’re spread throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Specifically in the US: Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

But if not, here’s something cool: you don’t even have to get yourself to one of the race cities (although it’s probably more fun with the people, music, and after party). No matter where you live you can run and have your own results officially counted in the race—just run on August 31, track your miles (with either Nike+ iPod or Nike+ SportBand), then download your miles on NikePlus.com. Of course, there’s a downside: in order to join you have to shell out for the technology, if you don’t already have it.

As the countdown on the website reminds us, there are only 32 days left til race day.