A collection of outdoor industry brands is organizing what it calls the Perfect Mile, a global virtual run to raise money for those helping to fight COVID-19. Inspired by the legacy of Sir Roger Bannister, the doctor-medic who ran his perfect sub-four minute mile after a day’s work in the hospital, runners everywhere are encouraged to run a solo mile between May 27 and May 31, with 100 percent of proceeds from entries to be donated to support the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization.
The Perfect Mile is not a race, but rather a global movement of runners focused on a goal that is collective, not individual. Runners are invited to participate in whatever way it is safe for them to do so: running in your neighborhood, local park, yard, or even in the living room. The brands supporting the mile include Tracksmith, WHOOP, Hyperice, Linden X Two, Ciele and Roka.
“For many of us, running has provided a much-needed escape in a time of great uncertainty,” says Tracksmith founder and CEO, Matt Taylor. “The question we’ve been asking ourselves on our daily runs is how can we use the power of our sport to support those in our community who are at the front lines of the fight against the novel coronavirus? The magic of the mile is that it’s infinitely accessible, a distance we can all relate to and find perfection in.”
“We believe that running, and the freedom to do so, is a gift,” said the Ciele team. “This pandemic has put hurdles in front of us that are affecting every aspect of our lives. This is an opportunity for the global running community to unite, to support the frontline efforts, and to celebrate the gift that, for many of us in these times, is helping us stay physically and mentally healthy.”
Runners who register will receive access to a digital Athlete Pack with offers to participating brands as well as commemorative digital stickers and more.
Registration begins on May 26 at 1 p.m. EST and will close on May 31 at 11:50 p.m. EST at perfectmile.org.
