The Vitality Running World Cup finalists revealed
The finalists of the Vitality Running World Cup have been announced today. The top four countries will now go head-to-head to be crowned World Cup Champions on 10 October 2021.
South Africa, Namibia, Mongolia and England have successfully made it through the round of 16 to place in the final of the 2021 tournament. Over 620,000 registrations from 237 countries and territories have completed over 2.8million kilometres so far.
Every participant running for the country finalists will need to run 3km in under 30 minutes to earn vital points through the official Running World Cup app www.runningworldcup.com
Nick Beresford, founder of the Vitality Running World Cup comments: “We have seen runners of all ages and abilities across the world lace up and fly the flag for their country – it has been incredible. We send the biggest congratulations to all those who have taken part to date. To our four country finalists and all the runners contributing to their ranking, let’s keep the momentum going, just five more days of competition until we crown the 2021 Champion. Be sure to log your runs on the official Running World Cup app, we’re excited to follow the action!”
The qualifiers kicked off 21 -26 September. The free-to-enter, knockout, international running competition has sparked a global movement in health by empowering people to be more active. Every participant who ran 3km in under 30 minutes throughout the knockout stages earned points for their country, taking them to the top of the leaderboard.
Andrew Nepgen, Head of the Global Vitality Network, says: “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.
“Physical inactivity today is one of the biggest threats to society in terms of its link to chronic diseases of lifestyle, which directly impacts mortality and morbidity. Given recent insights that improved physical activity can build resilience against COVID-19 and improve mental wellbeing – two additional macro health trends in our world – getting people more active every day needs our collective attention. We are excited to be partnering with the Running World Cup to get the world moving more.”
He adds 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,” says Nepgen.
There’s still time for you to lace up, sign up and do your bit for your country – and make a huge difference to children around the world. By logging your runs on the official app you will ensure a child in need receives a Polio vaccine – find out more at www.runningworldcup.com (all those aged over 13 years eligible for entry).