Adidas and Parley Hold Run for the Oceans in Pasay

Posted On June 14, 2019

Adidas and Parley recently partnered to bring the Run for the Oceans, a global initiative to reduce marine plastic pollution. Hundreds of runners joined the Manila-leg which was held last June 8 at Air Juan Seaplane Terminal, Pasay City.

The highlight of the event was a plogging run around the event. Plastics collected during the run were later transformed into eco-bricks. Runners were separated into different groups and the ones with the most trash collected were given rewards for their effort.

Runners were also encouraged to join the Run for the Oceans event through the Runtastic app on their smartphones. Adidas promises to donate $1 to Parley’s Ocean School Program  for every kilometer registered by any runner on the app with a $1.5 million cap. The school program is one of Parley’s initiatives to promote long term behavioral change towards the good of the environment.

“We’re excited to celebrate Run For The Oceans this year since it’s a great way to educate kids on the gravity of the marine plastic pollution problem and how their actions affect in creating a long-term sustainable impact,” said Jen Dacasin, adidas Brand Communication and Sports Manager.

You too can contribute to Adidas and Parley’s initiative. Simply download the Runtastic app on your smartphone. Open the app and on the homescreen look for the Run for the Oceans. Register the event and everytime you run on June 8 to 16, Adidas will make a donation corresponding to the kilometers you covered.

Non-profit environmental and social groups such as The Plastic Solution and Kids for Kids also held talks to raise the awareness regarding ocean pollution. They also presented numerous solutions to the global problem through simple actions such as waste segregation, upcycling and just saying no to single use plastics.

The Plastic Solution conducted a demonstration on eco brick making while Kids For Kids shared simple ways we can try to practice living sustainably— such as supporting local projects like Retaso PH, an initiative that uses textile waste to create an alternative to plastic bags.

The event aimed to educate guests on the threat of marine plastic pollution through informative product displays and activities that would engage more people to join the movement of running for the oceans. There was an artwork installation made out of plastic bottles and guests got to explore an educational area where they learned the entire process of adidas Parley products, as well as how the Parley Ocean School Program works.

The Philippines is the third largest contributor of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean, according to a 2015 study by the McKinsey Centre for Business and Environment and the Ocean Conservancy charity.

The two firms also reported that the country discards more than half a million tonnes of plastic into the ocean annually. Only China and Indonesia rank higher than the Philippines in the said list.

During the event Adidas also introduced the new Alphabounce + Parley. The shoe is made up of upcycled materials including plastic which  were intercepted in the coastal communities and marine environments handled by Parley. The Alphabounce + Parley shoe is also designed for comfort in mind with optimized fit, wide lacing system and maximum support. It retails for Php5,300 and is available online and in any Adidas outlets.

The Run for the Oceans program culminated with an eco brick making contest and yoga session. Numerous personalities such as actress Jasmine Curtis Smith and Janella Vela also graced the event.