Puma grows wings

20 Apr 2015

Puma has collaborated with Wings for Life World Run, confirming a multi-year partnership that kicks off in May this year. It will support event staff and athletes participating in the Wings for Life World Run in a mutual effort to bring together a new generation of athletes from around the world.

This unique event enables runners to compete simultaneously around the world from 35 locations, running as far as they can before a moving finish line, called the Catcher Car, overtakes them. Puma will be the exclusive official sportswear partner for the Wings for Life World Run, providing running product to event staff and marketing support to broaden awareness to the charitable initiative.

Staff at each local event will be outfitted in the brand's footwear, apparel and accessories, and all participating runners will receive gift bags with accessories. The company will encourage participation in the Wings for Life World Run by activating its global social and communication channels, also broadcasting event content in real time and post event.

Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz cofounded the Wings for Life Foundation, which funds scientific research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, with 100% of all starting fees and donations going directly to spinal cord research. The Wings for Life World Run was first held last year with 36 000 runners participating, with numbers expected to increase each year.

Adam Petrick, Global Marketing Director at Puma said, "The Wings for Life World Run is a perfect partnership, bringing together two organisations with shared goals and values, encouraging participants to compete both by foot and wheelchair. Puma also Fights for Fairness in sports through our humanitarian initiative of the same name - we believe that anyone who wants to compete should be able to do so, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or disability."

Colin Jackson, International Sports Director of the Wings for Life World Run said, "Already as a concept the event looked good - but in action it looked far better. Being part of a global run makes the whole venture very exciting. We are doing something to help find a cure for spinal cord injury. We are bringing the world together for this cause. And Puma is a brand who dreams big and make the dreams come through the same as we do."

For more information, go to www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.