US antiperspirant label Degree has launched ‘Not Done Yet’, a campaign giving marathon non-finishers a second chance to complete 26.2 miles.
The Unilever-owned brand, also known as Rexona, Sure and Shield in other markets, has compiled a Degree ‘Not Done Yet’ Marathon Team, comprising three ‘everyday athletes’ from varying backgrounds who experienced challenges when previously running marathons, causing them to not complete their races.
The team includes Sagirah Ahmed Norris, who has Multiple Sclerosis and whose last marathon attempt was scuppered by a malfunction; Michael Zampella, who suffers from a degenerative eye disease and who was prevented from reaching the finishing line of his first marathon by injury; and Ashley Zirkle, who was forced to withdraw from her last marathon after realising she needed more time to recover after kidney donor surgery.
The runners now have the opportunity to complete their race at the 2022 San Francisco Marathon on 24 July.
To amplify each runner’s story, Degree has created individual pieces of video content that can be found on the brand’s YouTube channel.
Degree also tapped marathon runner, author and TV personality Tyler Cameron as Team Trainer.
Cameron will share personal tips from his own marathon experience to help motivate the runners and will be on site on the day to celebrate their achievements.
“We hope that the powerful stories of the ‘Not Done Yet’ Marathon Team members will inspire more displays of courage and perseverance in movers of all ages,” said Desi Okeke, Director of Degree North America.
“Finishing a marathon is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences I've had,” added Cameron.
“Running has helped me through tough times in my life, despite feeling like I wanted to give up in those moments.
“Through my partnership with Degree and as the ‘Not Done Yet’ Team Trainer, I hope to be able to encourage others to do the same – to keep moving and take one step at a time, regardless of what barriers are standing in their way.”
The brand has further supported Achilles International, a non-profit providing athletic programmes and social connection to those with disabilities.
Degree will be donating US$50,000 to Achilles International to help up to 100 athletes get to the start of a running race.