2012 IBRD Official Report
By Paleo
Hi Everyone,
The second annual International Barefoot Running Day was a great success! We are still gathering the stories, pictures and statistics, but we are hoping to top last year's event by a wide margin.
The statistics so far:
- Registered events: 40
- Countries with events: 12
- Continents represented: 4 (N. America, S. America, Europe, Australia)
- U.S. States represented:17
- Number of runners: 304
- Estimated total distance run: over 2200 KM / 1600 miles.
Again this year, we give Marko in Slovenia a huge round of applause for turning out the largest group. With 120 participants, he doubled his count from last year. And the runners include lots of children, which is great for the future of this sport. We will all be tapping into Marko’s recruitment methods for next year’s run. Please take a look at the full set of his pictures at the links posted by Marko below.
In Germany, we had 3 events, including a half-marathon in Mainz a group of 4 in Dresden and a workshop lead by Barefoot Meckie in Dortmund, which I attended. Meckies a great teacher: a few exercises, not too much explanation, mostly just give it a try. “Challenge them, but don’t over-challenge them,” was Meckie’s motto. The ability in our group ranged from kids to ultra-marathoners. All of them learned something, and everyone had a great time, even though it rained all day.
All of the European events were plagued with rain, but down in Siesta Key Florida they had perfect whether. Eight runners could enjoy blue sky, a white sandy beach and dolphins playing in the water. Marc reports that he and Chris G have run virtually every Sunday together since last year’s IBRD, and they were joined this year by several new friends in min shoes.
Out in California, Terri Orsi hosted a brief clinic emphasizing cadence and form, after which he led a group of 8 on an easy-paced 2.5 mile run. They chatted with a couple in Vibrams, telling them about IBRD and the BRS. The guy stripped off his Vibrams in support of the day and walked barefoot rest of the way to the parking lot.
We did cover 4 continents with IBRD, with Leobarefoot hosting a clinic for 11 people in Belo Horizonte Brazil. As the video posted below, shows they had a great day, lot’s of fun while learning about BFR.
I have mostly picked out a few highlights that arrived to me by email. Please read the rest of the stories below and take a look at the great photos.
So all of the events captured the spirit of International Barefoot Running: a mix of reaching out to new barefooters, encouraging them to give it a try, but most of all just having a great time. Just as last year, IBRD seems to have spawned a few friendships and regular meetings (“every first Sunday in the month”).
On behalf of the BRS, I want especially to thank all of the local organizers for making IBRD happen. They all did a great job. The pictures and stories of the clinics show how we are all working together to promote this fabulous sport.
Thanks to everyone!
So, mark your calendar: May 5, 2013 is the date for the third annual IBRD (always the first Sunday in May). Looking forward to seeing you there!
Please record your IBRD stories and stories below!
What a great day for Barefoot Running!
Cheers,
Paleo
P.S. If you ran on IBRD, but not part of an official event, please feel free to record your event HERE.
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