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Earn a Special Apple Watch Running Day Badge, but You'll Have to Work for It

The race is on for Apple Watch owners to celebrate Global Running Day, but earning this badge won't come easy.

Headshot of Vanessa Hand Orellana
Headshot of Vanessa Hand Orellana
Vanessa Hand Orellana Lead Writer
Vanessa is a lead writer at CNET, reviewing and writing about the latest smartwatches and fitness trackers. She joined the brand first as an on-camera reporter for CNET's Spanish-language site, then moved on to the English side to host and produce some of CNET's videos and YouTube series. When she's not testing out smartwatches or dropping phones, you can catch her on a hike or trail run with her family.
Expertise Consumer Technology, Smart Home, Family, Apps, Wearables
Vanessa Hand Orellana
2 min read
The Global Running Day badge on an Apple Watch

Apple's limited-edition Global Running Day badge. 

 Apple

Ready, set... run! Apple is celebrating Global Running Day on Wednesday by offering a limited-edition digital badge to encourage Apple Watch owners to get moving. But earning it won't be a walk in the park. 

To unlock the badge, you'll have to complete at least a 5K (3.1 miles) run using either the native Apple Watch workout app, or any running app that syncs with Apple Health. The badge is digital, meaning you'll get to admire your hard work from either your Apple Watch or Fitness app on your iPhone.

Apple recently broke from its digital-only badge tradition during the 10th anniversary Apple Watch challenge, offering not just a virtual badge for closing all three activity rings, but also a limited-edition physical pin that people could collect in person at Apple Stores around the world (while supplies lasted). 

A treadmill wokout on Fitness Plus

Apple has launched a special edition treadmill workout on Fitness Plus to celebrate Global Running Day. 

 Apple

Fitness Plus perks for runners

If you're a Fitness Plus subscriber, there are a few extras to explore this week too. Apple has launched a Global Running Day-themed treadmill workout with special guest Raymond Braun, an endurance athlete, journalist and mental health advocate, alongside Fitness Plus trainer Scott Carvin. There's also a special Time to Run episode showcasing iconic running destinations around the world.

Time to Run is Apple's Fitness Plus audio series designed to help people become more consistent and confident runners. Fitness Plus subscriptions cost $10 per month ($80 per year) or can be bundled with Apple One, which starts at $20 per month for individuals.

Watch this: WatchOS 12 Wishlist: Top features we want on the Apple Watch

Apple is also gearing up to unveil its latest software updates next week at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference, held at its Cupertino, California, headquarters, where we may get a first look at all the latest running- and fitness-focused features in upcoming Apple Watch and iPhone operating systems.