Running club with a difference
The Covid-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the running community with many races cancelled, leaving elite runners unable to earn an income.
Nedbank Running Club has launched #NedbankRunified, a virtual running series with a difference.
The club has announced the launch of #NedbankRunified, in partnership with Strava, that kicked off on July 11.
As the first-ever sponsored series for Africa on Strava and the only opportunity available for runners to earn an income during the pandemic, #NedbankRunified will challenge and reward runners across South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and eSwatini for completing running challenges during designated time frames.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the running community with many races cancelled, leaving elite runners unable to earn an income.
Nedbank Running Club manager Nick Bester said, “When the Covid-19 lockdown was announced, our runners were training for big competitions and the cancellations were a big blow to their potential income.
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“This virtual series is a way for us to help our runners stay afloat during this time but also ensure they continue to train safely and to the best of their ability so they can recover from this pandemic, not only financially, but physically as well.”
With this series Nedbank Running Club members who finish in the top 10 of their respective categories will win cash prizes.
Runners from the general public who complete these challenges successfully will stand a chance to win up to R50 000 in Greenbacks and exclusive Nedbank Running Club hampers, courtesy of the club’s sponsors.
The overall series winner will also win an all-expenses paid trip for two to compete in an international marathon.
“As money experts who do good, the decision to launch a challenge like this is informed by our brand promise to provide market-leading client experiences.
“We aim to solve a broader tension by leveraging our sponsorship of the Nedbank Running Club, and enabling runners to compete against one another and earn an income despite the cancellation of road running events.
“Partnering with a digital platform such as Strava, will allow people to connect through their passion for running whilst social distancing, as well as offering the opportunity for reward, is a valuable part of enriching the virtual client experience.
“With more than 35 000 runners signed up for the challenge already, we aim to make this the largest virtual mass participation sports event ever in Africa,” said Tobie Badenhorst, Nedbank head of group sponsorships and cause marketing.
The #NedbankRunified virtual series is open to the public and will be live on Strava for four months, starting in time for the first race on July 11 and ending on October 24.
Each month will see runners competing to finish a predetermined minimum distance within the prescribed time frame, after which Nedbank will notify them and announce winners on the Strava platform.
For more information on the Nedbank Running Club, visit nedbankrunningclub.co.za
