The proposal to mark International Olympic Day was first introduced in 1947 during the 41st session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), held in Stockholm.

The first International Olympic Day was celebrated on June 23, 1948, in nine countries. In order to commemorate this day in a more ceremonial manner and with the participation of all National Olympic Committees, the Olympic Run Day was introduced in 1987.

In Azerbaijan, International Olympic Run Day was first organized in 1996. In the same year, Azerbaijan also participated in the Olympic Games for the first time as an independent state.