Following the success of their #iPRODirectToYou campaign which was designed to support grassroots sports following the impact of Covid-19, iPRO are now extending their support into running events with the #RunWithiPRO campaign.

Within weeks, virtual running events had replaced in-person ones as the pandemic swept the country. The postponement of charity runs and events such as the London Marathon had a devastating impact on charities as runners learned they couldn't participate in 2020. Running event organisers faced the same distress, with a survey conducted by RaceNation discovering that over half (54%) of event organisers estimated a business revenue loss of over 50% during the pandemic (source: RaceNation).

While mass participation events like the London Marathon were still financially viable to recommence in 2021, the impact was huge for many, with 13% of the industry not planning any running events for the year (source: RaceNation). This shocking statistic reinforces the purpose behind the #RunWithiPRO campaign and its mission to support running event organisers as they restart following months of uncertainty.

It has undoubtedly been a lonely time for runners, recreational and professional, with solo runs, lonely training miles, and virtual races that lacked the sense of togetherness that only in-person events could create. Research published by Macmillan Cancer Support showed an estimated 7 million people in the UK had turned to running during the pandemic to boost their mental wellbeing. 14% said running had helped them deal with stress since the first lockdown, a third said running helped them feel calmer and more positive, and one in five said it helped them feel mentally stronger (source: Macmillan Cancer Support). 96% of respondents from a RaceNation survey said they would participate in a running event again within a year of lockdown measures being lifted (source: RaceNation).

As part of the #RunWithiPRO campaign, iPRO will provide bottles of healthy hydration from their iPRO Hydrate – Sport Edition range to runners at the finish lines and help event organisers resell packs at their running events. All profits generated will go straight to the event organisers to ensure events like these can continue to flourish. So far, the #RunWithiPRO campaign has supported the Cheltenham 10k, Normanby 10k, and Curly's Athletes Supermile which all finished in major success. iPRO’s presence as Official Hydration Partner at The National Running Show South this month strengthens the company's commitment to supporting the nation’s running community.

iPRO Global Commercial Director, Sophie Christy, spoke about the campaign:

“We’re thrilled to see running events resume this year with the support of our #RunWithiPRO campaign. Running events are so much more than contests. They are communities that support wellbeing through a sense of achievement and connection with others. With the support of #RunWithiPRO, it means more events like these can continue to thrive.”

Hannah Hopwood, Marketing Manager at The NRS, commented:

“It was fantastic to see so many runners coming together in a safe and hugely inspiring environment. With an incredible line-up of leading brand exhibitors, our first ever National Running Show South was a huge success, and we can’t wait to reunite at our flagship Run Show in Birmingham in January 2022. We were delighted to welcome iPRO as our Official Healthy Hydration partner at our first South show and look forward to working in partnership with them for both our 2022 Run Shows”.

SW Runs’ Event Organiser, Rupert Martin, also commented:

“iPRO at the Cheltenham Half Marathon & 10k was a huge hit and we couldn’t have been happier with the response we received from our runners. Both great-tasting and giving our participants the vital nutrients needed to recover from their 13.1-mile and 10k runs, without being high in sugar, is something that sets iPRO apart from other sports drinks. The fact that each iPRO Hydrate bottle is 100% recyclable is also a big plus for us. We can’t wait to continue providing the ultimate hydration for our runners at our event next month, Weston Super Half.”

A participant at the Cheltenham Half & 10k event, added:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the free iPRO sports drink at the Cheltenham Half finish line. I’ve not seen the brand before, but it’s something I’d definitely use again and would fully recommend it to my running club.”

Looking to generate more revenue for your next running event?

Right now, you can purchase packs of iPRO Hydrate - Sport Edition for less than £1 a bottle at www.iPRO.Direct. Resell at the RRP of £1.50-£2 and keep what you earn!