Adidas Runners

global /// 8. Jun 2023

WITH WOMEN WE RUN 2022: PARTNERSHIPS, PLEDGES AND PIVOTAL MOMENTS

At adidas Runners, the safety of women while running remains our steadfast commitment. 2022 saw the launch of With Women We Run — unarguably one of our most powerful initiatives to date. Working to end harassment and all forms of violence against women lies at the heart of the campaign to make running a sport that can be enjoyed safely by all. Already in the first year of its existence, a staggering 245 With Women We Run events were held around the world. Meanwhile, 120,000 adidas Running app users signed the White Ribbon pledge, thereby making a commitment to never carry out, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

To strengthen our campaign and drive the importance of this fundamental message, we joined forces with an array of influential figures and organisations. Each of our key partners are champions of the With Women We Run initiative and possess their own invaluable expertise on the subject of womens' safety while running.

Last November, Tirop's Angels joined our adidas Runners captains and coaches in New York City for a panel discussion to address the topic of harassment in running and sports. The Tirop's Angels logo also became a poignant addition to the kit of all female athletes competing in women's 10k at the 2022 adizero Road to Records event. To emphasize our ongoing commitment to the foundation and its vital work, adidas will pledge $150,000 over Tirop's Angels over the next four years.

Since its inception, our With Women We Run initiative has been punctuated with unforgettable community moments. This includes a 5k memorial run held last April at adidas HQ alongside our adizero Road to Records elite athletes as a tribute to Agnes and every runner across the globe who has faced harassment or violence. In 2022, the Boston Marathon also celebrated 50 years of female participation in the race, marking another important occasion for our With Women We Run initiative. Owing to an insightful panel discussion featuring influential figures from the world of running, we were able to drive awareness around the initiative and bring the conversation of gender inequality and harassment in running to the stage of a world marathon major. Among our guest speakers were Viola Cheptoo Lagat — Kenyan middle distance runner and chairwoman of Tirop's Angels — and Jen Rhines — three-time US Olympic athlete and coach.

In 2022, the Boston Marathon also celebrated 50 years of female participation in the race, marking another important occasion for our With Women We Run initiative. Owing to an insightful panel discussion featuring influential figures from the world of running, we were able to drive awareness around the initiative and bring the conversation of gender inequality and harassment in running to the stage of a world marathon major. Among our guest speakers were Viola Cheptoo Lagat — Kenyan middle distance runner and chairwoman of Tirop's Angels — and Jen Rhines — three-time US Olympic athlete and coach.

Speaking of marathons, let's not forget our With Women We Run marathon stories. In this captivating content series, we shone a light on a fearless group of female adidas Runners and their individual marathon journeys in Mexico City, Berlin and Cape Town. Curious to know more? Head over to the adidas Runners Instagram channel to check out their journey to 42k.

Keeping the focus on our local communities, thanks to the With We Women We Run activities taking place in some of our global locations, we've been able to incite real and meaningful change. Saudi Arabia has seen the first ever female-only 5k races being held, while members of our Polish adidas Runners communities successfully brought forward a petition to improve lighting on popular running routes in their respective cities.

While we've already made great strides, our work is by no means done. 2022 was just the beginning. Ensuring that women always feel safe while running remains an urgent priority and we're excited for all of the projects we have in store throughout 2023. In particular, our Women's Fame Moment — a compelling content series that will inspire our members to continue advocating for women's safety in their communities. Watch this space and keep an eye on our Instagram channel for all the latest With Women We Run updates.

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