RUN WILD: 1 MILLION RUNNERS FOR 1 MILLION SPECIES

Run Wild to reconnect with nature and remember why mountain ecosystems are worth protecting! This year you’ll be racing against Gaia, a mountain lion living in the Pacific Northwest. As she roams her territory between September 24 – October 3, we’ll be tracking the distance she covers each day. As you log activities during the challenge, see how far you’ve gone in comparison. Join the challenge and see if you can keep up!

As you participate in Run Wild, you’ll learn more about the human impact on wild spaces and what we can do to better preserve and protect the mountains for us all. Adidas athlete Timothy Olson, who recently ran the fastest known time on the Pacific Crest Trail, will share his tips on trail running, connecting with nature, and how to responsibly recreate in the outdoors.

Run Wild 2021 Partners

We believe unconventional collaborations are needed to bring the urgency of environmental action to the attention of people worldwide.Thank you to our partners United Nations Environment Programme and S.P.E.C.I.E.S. for supporting Run Wild 2021. Learn more about how UNEP’s current projects help prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide and how S.P.E.C.I.E.S. is working to protect the world’s native carnivore populations—a species that is key in overall ecosystem health.

The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP works with governments, the private sector, civil society and with other UN entities and international organizations across the world. Read more about the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how UNEP is working to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide or the Vanishing Treasures programme that aims to protect endangered and iconic mountain species such as the snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger or mountain gorilla.

S.P.E.C.I.E.S’. mission is to ensure the viability, diversity, and integrity of the world’s threatened, endangered, and declining native carnivore populations and communities [Order Carnivora] and their prey; mitigate threats to their future survival; and restore their part to the healthy functioning and integrity of the planet’s ecosystems. Learn more about their projects and donate to their efforts here.

Timothy Allen Olson 

Timothy Olson is the two-time winner and previous record holder of the Western States 100 Mile race, with numerous other ultra-running wins. Timothy enjoys long runs up mountains, challenging his body, mind, and spirit. He finds inspiration in the land, trees, mountains, and wildlife, connecting with them on the run, feeling their energy, allowing him to run wild and free. He believes that by being connected to our earth and living consciously and mindfully, we can create vibrations to inspire individual and collective steps to heal, care and nurture our environment and ourselves.

Internet of Elephants was founded in 2017 in Nairobi by National Geographic Fellow Gautam Shah to create fun and meaningful connections between humans and wildlife. With a mission to make animals like Uuliin the snow leopard, Chili the gibbon, and Mtweturia the elephant as famous as Beyoncé, Neymar, and Jon Snow, Internet of Elephants wants to change the way wildlife conservation is supported today.

Too much of life now happens indoors, affecting health, happiness, and creativity. That’s why, as the creator brand in the outdoors, we believe being outdoors is the solution. Run, bike, hike, or climb – combining more than 50 years of integrated technology, our adidas TERREX and Five Ten products take you from nature to urban without compromising performance and style. At adidas TERREX we bring people to the outdoors, and the outdoors to the city. Because through sport, we have the power to change lives.

Our Collaboration Partners

As always, you can use many of your favorite gadgets and apps to participate in Run Wild, and we’ve got a ton of cool collaboration partners supporting this years’ challenge! Find more info about our collaboration partners (and a few special offers they’re providing for Run Wild participants) below! [faq group=”run-wild-faq”]

How to Run Wild: Which Activities Count?

All running, treadmill, walking, hiking, virtual running, and trail running activities in the adidas Running app count toward the completion of this challenge. Be sure to follow your local regulations regarding COVID-19. Join the challenge in the app!