Does anybody get the feeling that nature is sending us some signals this year? If ever there was a time to Run Wild and advocate for the planet, it’s now. As of 2020, more than 1 million species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction because of human activities. So let’s get to work.
During this year’s Run Wild, we’re calling on 1 million runners to give a voice to 1 million species at the UN General Assembly Biodiversity Summit. Together with our partners United Nations Environment Programme and Internet of Elephants, we will show that athletes are ready to support policy decisions that create reform on a global scale.
We are 1 million runners in favor of a more sustainable planet where humans, animals, and everybody else on the web of life can thrive.
WHY RUN? IF YOU RUN WILD, THEY RUN WILD
We know that when large groups of passionate, motivated people rally around issues, we can make progress toward change. When you participate in Run Wild in the adidas Running app, you’ll follow one of three threatened species through their habitat as you try to keep up with the kilometers they travel daily. As you do, you’ll learn more about their ecosystems, the foundations and people working to protect them, and more ways you can get involved to support.
By taking part in the Run Wild Challenge, you’ll also use your voice, effort, and activism to represent the interests of all threatened species at the UN General Assembly Biodiversity Summit.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE (BUDDY)
Pick from one of three animals and see if you can outrun the distance they travel from September 25 – October 4. You’ll follow either Adjany the elephant, Tendrel Zangmo the tiger, or Pamoja the pangolin on their daily journey, learning more about their natural environment, the challenges they face, and how we can help prevent their extinction.
RUN WILD WITH ADJANY THE ELEPHANT
Adjany is a female elephant who roams the plains of the African Savanna. Her species is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, but can also be found in the deserts of Mali and Namibia as well as deep in the rainforests of West Africa. One of only 400,000 wild elephants left, she spends her days gathering the 300 pounds of food it takes to maintain her body weight. But don’t let her fool you, this lady can move! Because she is the most active of the animals, this challenge is for advanced runners. See if you can keep up!
Support Space for Giants Learn more about Space for Giants, the organization protecting elephants like Adjany, and how you can help them continue their work. |
RUN WILD WITH TENDREL THE TIGER
Tendrel Zangmo is a female Bengel Tiger who lives in Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. A little over a century ago, there were more than 100,000 wild tigers in existence. Now, Tendrel is one of only 3,900 wild tigers who survive in an ever-shrinking territory. She spends most of her time hunting for herself and her teenage cub (he’s not around much and mostly just shows up for meals–typical teenager). Some days she stalks her prey for hours, and other days she lays around with a full belly digesting her prey. Intermediate-level runners will find it challenging, but manageable, to keep up with her daily activity level. Run Wild with Tendrel!
Support the Bhutan Tiger Center Learn more about the Bhutan Tiger Center and how you can help them continue their work protecting tigers. |
RUN WILD WITH PAMOJA THE PANGOLIN
Is slow but steady more your running (or walking!) speed? Pamoja the pangolin may not cover the same ground as an elephant, but she has to move a bit every day to keep herself fed and out of danger (and to get away from the annoying roommates who recently took residence in her burrow). Pangolins are critically endangered and one of the most trafficked animals in the world due to their scaly armor. Keep up with Pamoja and learn more about the plight of pangolins by joining her challenge!
Support the Pangolin Project Learn more about the Pangolin Project and how you can help them continue their work protecting pangolins. |
HOW TO RUN WILD: WHICH ACTIVITIES COUNT?
All running, treadmill, walking, 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!
ABOUT TERRA MATER
Curious how and why these species are under threat? Here’s more info about how urbanization, habitat loss, and fragmentation are impacting these and other endangered species and what we can do to help!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Run Wild
Can I change my animal in the middle of the challenge? If so, what happens with my accumulated kilometers?
Yes, you can change your animal and keep your progress. All the kilometers you already ran or walked during the challenge timeframe will count towards the new animal’s challenge.
Can I join more than one challenge/animal?
Yes, you can! If you want, you can join all three challenges. Please be aware that the challenges are targeted for different levels of runners: beginner (pangolin), intermediate (tiger), and advanced runners (elephant).
How does the challenge contribute to the conservation of endangered animals?
As part of our mission for Run Wild 2020, we are working to present the results of our challenge at the United Nations General Assembly Summit on Biodiversity. We want policymakers to know that we support them in making bold changes that will help us on our way to a more sustainable planet.
What about COVID-19?
We are all currently experiencing a global pandemic. The situation and regulations are very different in each country. Therefore, we ask participants to follow their national guidelines and practice social distancing. Remember that walking and treadmill activities also count during the Run Wild Challenge!
RUN WILD PARTNERS
We believe unconventional collaborations are needed to bring the urgency of environmental action to the attention of people and policymakers worldwide.Thank you to our partners Internet of Elephants, United Nations Environment Programme, Space for Giants, Bhutan Tiger Center, and The Pangolin Project for supporting Run Wild 2020! Learn more about each organization below.
Run Wild Partners
Internet of Elephants
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.
Space for Giants
Space for Giants is an international conservation charity that protects Africa’s remaining natural ecosystems and the mega-fauna they contain, whilst bringing major economic and social value to local communities and national governments. It is headquartered in Kenya, works in nine countries in Africa, and is registered as a charity in the UK and a 501c3 non profit in the US.
The Bhutan Tiger Center
The Bhutan Tiger Center, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan, serves as a center for research, education, outreach, and policy as a part of the continued commitment of the leadership of Bhutan to being at the forefront of environmental and wildlife conservation. Our mission is to conduct world-class tiger research, to provide education and outreach resources to the people of Bhutan and tiger range countries, and to conserve tigers and their habitat for future generations.
The Pangolin Project
The Pangolin Project is a non-profit conservation organization based in Kenya, dedicated to pangolin conservation research and protection. We are dedicated to securing a future for African Pangolins in the landscapes where they live. We do this by supporting protected area managers and communities to better understand the status of pangolin populations in their areas and to develop strategies to protect them.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
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.
OUR TRACKING PARTNERS
As always, you can use many of your favorite gadgets and apps to participate in the Run Wild challenge! Remember to join the challenge in the adidas Running app first, and then you can use any of our tracking partners to log your runs. Find more info about our tracking partners (and a few special offers they’re providing for Run Wild participants) below!
Run Wild Tracking Partners
POLAR
You can also contribute to the Run Wild Challenge using your Polar device. If you haven’t already done so, here is how to connect your accounts. Don’t have a polar watch yet? Check out the Polar Grit X which features a lightweight design with military-standard durability. Get 10% off POLAR products using the code POLARWILD. The offer is valid from September 25 – October 2020 and only in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and US.
SUUNTO
All Suunto mobile connected watches can be connected to adidas Running. If your accounts aren’t connected yet, here is how to do it. Run Wild participants can use the discount code ADIDAS10 to get 10% off Suunto products. The offer is valid until the end of October and can be used at Suunto.com in all supported countries. Offer is valid for all Suunto full priced products.
ZWIFT
Use your Zwift account to go on a virtual run and contribute kilometers to the Run Wild Challenge. Here’s how to link your accounts.
#RunWild #ForNature
Imprint
- The Pangolin photos were kindly contributed by Andy Campbell Safaris and Tom Dames of The Pangolin Project.
- The Elephant photos were kindly contributed by Space for Giants and Gautam Shah
- The Tiger photos were kindly contributed by the Bhutan Tiger Center, Bhutan Foundation
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Source: Fitness - runtastic.com
