Saucony’s six-week ‘Marathumb Challenge’ urges you to run farther than you scroll

A recent study suggests the average person scrolls 78 miles every year on their phones. As Saucony points out, that’s the distance of three marathons. Also, 60% of Americans say their daily smartphone usage has increased year over year. The performance running lifestyle brand takes aim at these gloomy statistics with a campaign from Doner called “The Marathumb Challenge.” Beginning Jan. 22, and timed to the launch of the Saucony Ride 17 running shoe, the effort challenges people to run farther than they scroll over a period of six weeks. Consumers can take part in the challenge by downloading a Marathumb app on iOS and Android. User who move further than they scroll can win exclusive Saucony branded merchandise. Given that 78 miles per year translates to just 1.5 miles per week, it hopefully won’t be too intimidating for users to get involved. “We were shocked to learn the average consumer is scrolling the distance of three marathons a year and set out to inspire a change in behavior,” said Kathryn Pratt, chief marketing officer at Saucony. “The Marathumb Challenge is intended to help us all make small changes in our daily lives which will have a significant impact on both mind and body. We want to encourage people to shift the balance of their screen time and step time for physical, mental and social benefits.” The campaign includes digital, social, e-commerce, retail extensions and OOH. There will also be partnerships with content creators and medical experts including Dr. Joe, M.D., former Bachelorette star Tayshia Adams and internet personality Audrey Trullinger. “People know they should scroll less and move more,” said Colin Jeffery, chief creative officer at Doner. “They just needed a push, a challenge and a little incentive. The Saucony Marathumb Challenge does all that and more, while helping people improve their physical and mental health.”

Saucony’s six-week ‘Marathumb Challenge’ urges you to run farther than you scroll

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