adidas and Parley Create “Run For The Oceans” Program

This week, following on from World Environment Day, and coinciding with World Ocean's Day, adidas and Parley for the Oceans announced the return of Run For The Oceans, a global running movement that uses the power of sport to raise awareness for the threat of marine plastic pollution.

For the second year in a row, through this worldwide initiative, adidas and Parley call on their global communities between June 8 and July 8 to take action and protect the oceans that are increasingly endangered due to man-made issues including pollution, waste and growing consumption.

Since 2015, the partners have been working together to educate people on the issue, but also showcasing creative solutions such as the use of Parley Ocean Plastic™ for the making of adidas x Parley products.

Taking the initiative to the next level for 2018, adidas will match every kilometer run with $1 dollar – for the first one million kilometers – to support the Parley Ocean Plastic Program, focusing specifically on the Parley Ocean School initiative, which educates and empowers the next generation of Ocean Guardians through immersive experiences in the environment we are fighting to protect. 

With in-school and water sports activities, the program introduces youth to the underwater world, teaching them about the impacts of marine plastic pollution and giving them the tools and inspiration to protect their future with Parley AIR.

To get involved, adidas and Parley are hosting a series of physical runs in several key cities worldwide including LA, New York, Paris, Berlin, London, Barcelona, Milan and Shanghai, and are mobilizing the global adidas Runners network to organize weekly running initiatives in 50 adidas Runners communities worldwide.

On Friday, June 8 in Temescal Park, Los Angeles, adidas x Parley will bring their communities of runners, ocean ambassadors, environmentalists and influencers together to inspire collective action and affect positive change for our oceans. The group will together log miles through the park, have the opportunity to learn more about ocean pollution, and witness a live performance from a surprise musical guest. The community in New York City will also show their support on Wednesday, June 27 at Pier 26.

Runners around the world can also sign up and track their runs on the digital platforms of Runtastic and Joyrun (in China) to contribute and help reach one million kilometers, joining adidas ambassadors Shaunae Miller, Tori Bowie and Wayde Van Niekerk among other high-profile athletes in their efforts to spread the message.

Inspired by the fragility of the oceans, adidas Running will reveal limited release UltraBOOST Parley and UltraBOOST X shoes, fusing performance-oriented footwear technology with progressive eco-innovation.

The high-performance, high-purpose products prove adidas’ and Parley’s commitment to tackle the major threats one step at a time. Featuring an energy‐return BOOST™ midsole and 95% Parley Ocean Plastic™ Primeknit upper, each pair prevents approx. 11 plastic bottles from the possibility of entering our oceans.

People everywhere can join the movement by downloading Runtastic/Joyrun to track each step between June 8 and July 8. To find out more about the Run For The Oceans and sign up, vist their website.