Robin Roberts and Ginger Zee Energize ‘GMA’ 5K: Discover the Transformative Power of Movement!
Join the fun and excitement of the first-ever “GMA” 5K! This inspiring event is designed to encourage viewers nationwide to get active and support their health and well-being. Robin Roberts and Ginger Zee, both of whom are participating in this 5K, underscore the importance of running in their lives and share their unique stories that inspire others to prioritize fitness.
On Wednesday, “Good Morning America” will host the inaugural “GMA” 5K, aimed at motivating individuals everywhere to get moving together.
At 7:45 a.m., over 500 runners will kick off a 3.1-mile route on Governors Island in New York City. Many more are expected to run or walk the 5K from their own locations while enjoying the show. To add to the festivities, indie band The 502s will perform live at the finish line.
Lara Spencer and Sam Champion will anchor the broadcast, featuring several “GMA” contributors like Robin Roberts and Ginger Zee running the 5K.
Why Running Matters to Robin and Ginger
Roberts, who has always embraced fitness as an athlete, wasn’t initially a runner. As a collegiate basketball and tennis player, she often viewed running as a “punishment” imposed by her coaches. However, her perspective changed after breaking her wrist while playing tennis about a year ago. Determined to stay active during her recovery, she took up running.
“You have to change the way you think in order to change the way you feel. That’s one of my mantras. And I had to change the way I think about running,” Roberts explained. “Even though I was athletic by nature, this was something new for me, and exciting and fun. I’ve really taken to it.”
Now, Roberts identifies as an “everyday runner” and is eagerly looking forward to her first “GMA” 5K. “What better way than to do it live on national television?” she excitedly shared.
In contrast, Zee has been passionate about running since her stepmother introduced her to jogging at age 12. She expresses the therapeutic aspects of running, stating,
“She really showed me the beauty of jogging and being able to find a sense of calm and of release.”
Having openly discussed her mental health journey, Zee has shared that she was diagnosed with depression after a suicide attempt at age 21. During her darkest moments, she turned to physical activity for solace.
“It has been my lifeline. My connection to moving my body has saved me in my mental health crises in the past. I know that it has prolonged and helped my healing,” she stated.
Zee has participated in several 5Ks and completed her first major race—the New York City half marathon—in under two hours. Though her running frequency decreased after having children, she still manages to run several times weekly.
Preparing for the ‘GMA’ 5K
As the “GMA” 5K approaches, Zee is maintaining her running routine, engaging in 3- to 5-mile runs multiple times a week. Similarly, Roberts is building her stamina by consistently running shorter distances leading up to the 3.1-mile course.
Both women are incorporating crucial steps to warm up and cool down to enhance performance and prevent injuries:
- Hydration: Zee will focus on keeping hydrated the day before the race.
- Carb-loading: Roberts plans a pasta dinner to prepare for the following day.
- Rest: A good night’s sleep is essential for both runners.
- Active Stretching: On race morning, Zee will do five minutes of stretching, while both will prioritize recovery post-race.
The Joy of the Running Community
At the heart of the “GMA” 5K is the goal of fostering community through physical activity—something both Roberts and Zee cherish about running.
“I think that’s the part that we miss in our world right now, is that we don’t have places where people connect. Running is a beautiful place to do that,” Zee reflected.
Roberts added, “You see runners, and you’re out in nature, and everything just falls off of your shoulders,” highlighting the joy and solace found in running.
During the broadcast, “GMA” will spotlight running clubs nationwide, such as the “GMA Moves” club, a virtual fitness community on the Strava app. They are also partnering with organizations that aim to make exercise accessible to everyone, including:
- For All Mothers: Focused on supporting mothers.
- Achilles International: Dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities.
Zee emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “We want to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to achieve this goal together.” Both women enthusiastically invite everyone to participate in the “GMA” 5K—regardless of where and how you run.
“Walking, jogging—it doesn’t matter. Because at the end, you’ve all achieved this goal together,” Zee encouraged.
“Just get off the sidelines. Run with us,” Roberts added, inviting everyone to be part of this great event.
