When asked if static stretching (holding moves for more than 10 seconds) should ever be done before a run, Jeff Brannigan, director of programming at Stretch*d in New York City, replied, "Please don't!" According to Jeff, "Static positions can be very forceful and are more likely to result in an overstretched muscle."
To warm up before a run or any form of exercise, Jeff recommended dynamic stretching (short repetitions of movements). A few examples of dynamic stretching are: plank walkouts, butt kicks, high-knees, and hamstring toe touches.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock