International Barefoot Running Day (IBRD) is an informal, community-driven celebration of running without conventional cushioned shoes. It is held each year in early May.
There is no single governing body, no entry fee and no official course. People take part on their own or in small local groups, running barefoot or in minimalist shoes and often sharing photos and routes online.
Where it comes from
The first International Barefoot Running Day was held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. It was launched by Jamie Lee, a vice-president of the Barefoot Runners Society, the volunteer-run community that brought barefoot and minimalist runners together from around the world.
That first year, runners flooded in with photos, routes and plenty of healthy, muddy toes, and events and clinics were held internationally. One line from the early banners summed up the spirit of the whole movement: “changing the running world one odd look at a time.”
Every May since, IBRD has marked the same simple thing: the freedom, health and plain childlike fun of running without shoes.
When is it?
IBRD is marked in early May, around the first weekend. Because it is grassroots rather than officially organized, the exact date and any local meetups vary from year to year and place to place, so it is worth a quick search for a group near you closer to the day.
What people do
- Run a short, easy distance barefoot or in minimalist footwear.
- Meet up with a local barefoot or minimalist running group.
- Share the day on social media to introduce others to the idea.
- Use it as a low-pressure first try on a smooth, familiar surface.
There is a social side to this. Early barefoot runners found that the funny looks faded as their numbers grew. Running with a group makes the whole thing feel normal, which is part of why a shared day exists at all.
Taking part for the first time
If IBRD is your first barefoot run, the day is a fine excuse to start, as long as you start small.
Bare feet and lower legs need time to adapt, and the most common mistake is doing too much, too soon. Keep it short. Pick smooth, predictable ground. Pay attention to how your feet and calves feel, and stop if anything feels sharp.
A short barefoot stretch on grass or a smooth path is plenty for a first outing. There is no distance to prove.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you have a foot problem or injury, check with a clinician before running barefoot.
Learn more before you go
- New to the idea? Start with barefoot running tips for beginners.
- Wondering why people bother? See seven reasons people take up barefoot running.
- Prefer to ease in with shoes? Read the minimalist running philosophy.