Vitality Running World Cup is fast approaching, kicking off on 21 September and running through to 10 October. The event is free to enter and gives everyone – no matter their ability – a chance to run for their country and be a part of ‘the world’s largest mass participation event’.
The 2021 instalment of The Vitality Running World Cup (VRWC) is an annual free-to-enter, knockout, international running competition. It aims to spark a global movement in health by empowering people to be more active.
Taking place from 21 September to 10 October, every participant who runs 3km in under 30 minutes, will be able to earn points for their country. Participation is free by registering at www.runningworldcup.com or downloading the VRWC app. (All those aged over 13 years are eligible for entry.)
Country captains, including Vitality UK ambassador and 2012 Olympic gold medallist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill for the United Kingdom and eight-time Olympic Gold medallist and global ambassador Usain Bolt for Jamaica, are on-board with this year’s competition.
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Vitality Ambassador for the United Kingdom, said “I’m honoured to be the UK Captain of the Vitality Running World Cup. This is a fantastic initiative to get people moving through some healthy competition.
“I have always got so much out of sport and with the ability for everyone to get involved by running just 3km, I believe the event will really appeal to people. Whether you’ve never run before, or are an experienced runner, I hope you’ll join in the Vitality Running World Cup.
The more runs each person logs, the more kilometre points they score for their country. Runs can take place at any time and location that suits the participant. Every run registered contributes towards a country’s total; and as the weeks go by, countries with the highest number of kilometres run (relative to their country size and smartphone penetration) will progress to the knock-out stages.
Each person who takes part receives a digital goodie bag and discounts from brands and services including Freetrain, Vitruvian, CRX Compression and Green Chef.
The tournament rounds are as follows:
Qualifiers: 21-26 September
Round of 16: 28 September – 03 October
Finals: 05-10 October (top 4)
Nick Beresford, founder of the Vitality Running World Cup, said “The Vitality Running World Cup gives everyone a chance to lace up, get active and run for their country.
“In an Olympic year, what better time to fly the flag for your home country and take on a new sporting challenge. No matter your running ability, every kilometre will contribute to your country’s chance of winning. We hope to inspire the next generation of runners and create the largest mass participation sporting event in the world.”
Andrew Nepgen, Head of the Global Vitality Network, added “The Running World Cup is part of Vitality’s global initiative to help encourage 100 million people to get 20% more active by 2025. This exciting partnership builds on our successful interventions over many years in encouraging, physical activity.”
He added that a broader aim is for all participants to support UNICEF’s immunisation campaign, in the ongoing battle to protect children against Polio. “As runners complete their weekly goals on their Running World Cup app, Vitality will donate a vaccine to a child in need through UNICEF,” said Nepgen.
