Ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8, adidas is harnessing the power of sport and using it as a force for change, by inviting you to join in its world-wide campaign to unite and Run for the Oceans!
From May 28 to June 8, adidas x Parley Run for the Oceans is returning for a fourth year, continuing its commitment to urgently address the devastating levels of marine plastic pollution in the oceans. For every kilometre recorded during this period as part of the campaign, adidas is committing to clean up the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles from beaches, remote islands and coastlines!
How Do You Get Involved?
It’s as simple as downloading the adidas Runtastic app, going to the community tab and joining the “Run for the Oceans Challenge.“
Once joined, you can link the app to your training account, so any kay you run will automatically update to the app. It’s that easy! And to get you really motivated, we will be running competitions where you can put yourself in the running to win five adidas hampers valued at R2000 each!
What is it all about?
Since 2015, adidas has made more than 30 million pairs of shoes with Parley Ocean Plastic. that’s plastic waste intercepted on beaches and in coastal communities, preventing it from polluting the oceans. But whilst progress has been made on the journey towards a more sustainable future, there is still vital work to be done in reducing marine plastic pollution.
Alberto Uncini Manganelli, GM Running & Credibility Sports at adidas, said: “As a global brand, and as global citizens, we have a big role to play in conserving the oceans and our planet. It is our responsibility to use our platforms, products, and voices to not just raise awareness, but to put into effect real action. In just three decades, the world’s oceans could contain more discarded plastic than fish if we don’t act now – only by working together and uniting can we end plastic waste.
To-date, adidas x Parley Run for the Oceans has united over 3 million runners around the world, collectively clocking up 25.5 million KMs and raising $2.5 million to help Parley develop its initiatives and educational programs in the fight against marine plastic pollution. In 2019, 92 schools were enrolled in the program and are now educations hubs, as well as plastic interception points for the local community. As a result, 70,000 kids and their families participated in the program.
Cyrill Gutsch, CEO and Founder of Parley, said: “More than a run or awareness campaign, Run for the Oceans has evolved into a powerful impact platform, one that inspires and empowers millions of people worldwide to unite around a common goal and support the oceans through sport, boosting the Parley movement through actual movement. And more than a partner, adidas has been a true ally, the family member we so urgently needed on our side to prove that industry can be the key that scales and accelerates solutions to the massive environmental problems we face. We believe that collaboration, creativity, and eco-innovation is the winning formula to save our oceans and end the global plastic crisis threatening the natural world, our own health and our future. Everyone who joins the run helps drive this vision forward.”
But this is just the beginning for the global initiative. As announced as part of adidas’ strategy ‘Own the Game’ in March (2021), Run For The Oceans will be further expanded to create a more inclusive digital and physical community space. By 2025, adidas aims to achieve a cumulative participation of 40 million people.
You can be part of this amazing journey to action significant change and clean up our oceans, all by doing what you already love to do… Running!
