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With Women We Run – Spotlighting Positive Change
International Women’s Day is an important opportunity for us to reflect on our contributions towards gender equality. This year, we’re proud to highlight our communities’ incredible work and ongoing commitment to improving women’s safety, as part of our With Women We Run initiative.
Since its inception in March 2022, our communities have already hosted 903 With Women We Run events around the globe. Last November, over 500,000 adiClub points were donated by adiClub members to contribute towards funding for additional With Women We Run workshops and resources.
In the spirit of celebrating achievements this International Women’s Day, we sat down with some of our Captains and Coaches and asked them to spotlight a fellow adidas Runners member who has contributed meaningfully towards With Women We Run, creating positive change within their community:
Jules Aquino
Which AR Community are you from?
adidas Runners Manila.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
Despite being part of AR Manila since its inception in 2018, I only learned to enjoy distance running in 2023.
Why is the With Women We Run campaign important to you?
This campaign is important to me because of my passion for sports and fitness, which I enjoy sharing with others. Unlike many, I've grown up with the freedom to play and run around without concerns for my safety or wellbeing. However, this isn't the reality for everyone, particularly women who often face harassment in the fitness space. The constant need to consider attire, routes, time of day, and companionship must be exhausting. To ensure everyone can freely enjoy these activities, especially outdoors, we have to prioritize uplifting women and creating a safer environment for all to pursue their fitness goals.
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I would like to spotlight Coach Nylah from AR Manila. Before there was a WWWR Campaign, Coach Nylah (pictured above) started the Girls Can Run (GCR) group in 2021 which later became integrated with WWWR. She has fostered a relationship with and empowered groups of women since to start running and achieve their goals. Many women from the GCR group have gone on to support the WWWR Campaign, and women from both groups have accomplished marathons and proudly represent AR Manila. Coach Nylah has turned a group of individuals into a family who run together and have each other’s backs.
adidas Runners Manila.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
Despite being part of AR Manila since its inception in 2018, I only learned to enjoy distance running in 2023.
Why is the With Women We Run campaign important to you?
This campaign is important to me because of my passion for sports and fitness, which I enjoy sharing with others. Unlike many, I've grown up with the freedom to play and run around without concerns for my safety or wellbeing. However, this isn't the reality for everyone, particularly women who often face harassment in the fitness space. The constant need to consider attire, routes, time of day, and companionship must be exhausting. To ensure everyone can freely enjoy these activities, especially outdoors, we have to prioritize uplifting women and creating a safer environment for all to pursue their fitness goals.
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I would like to spotlight Coach Nylah from AR Manila. Before there was a WWWR Campaign, Coach Nylah (pictured above) started the Girls Can Run (GCR) group in 2021 which later became integrated with WWWR. She has fostered a relationship with and empowered groups of women since to start running and achieve their goals. Many women from the GCR group have gone on to support the WWWR Campaign, and women from both groups have accomplished marathons and proudly represent AR Manila. Coach Nylah has turned a group of individuals into a family who run together and have each other’s backs.
Biljana Cvijanovic
Which AR Community are you from?
adidas Runners Belgrade.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I'm the Coach and Captain in our club as well as the chef. If something nice is eaten at our celebrations, I’ve most likely been involved. And no, I don't require runners to spend those calories on training the next day.
Why is the With Women We Run campaign important to you?
As someone who has been running for almost my whole life, I’ve been through all kinds of experiences. In this day and age, a lot still revolves around physical appearance, which unfortunately has a very discouraging effect on many girls. Because of this we are often exposed to comments and judgments based on how we look. That's what I want to change.
Every woman is beautiful. Every woman is special. Every woman is the winner of her own race. It's not the pace that matters, or the latest running gear. It is important that what you do makes you happy and fulfilled and that at the end of the day you're proud of yourself. Our body is the home of our soul, and if we feel good in it, we must let everyone know. We should be ourselves, beautiful in our own way and healthy.
adidas Runners Belgrade.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I'm the Coach and Captain in our club as well as the chef. If something nice is eaten at our celebrations, I’ve most likely been involved. And no, I don't require runners to spend those calories on training the next day.
Why is the With Women We Run campaign important to you?
As someone who has been running for almost my whole life, I’ve been through all kinds of experiences. In this day and age, a lot still revolves around physical appearance, which unfortunately has a very discouraging effect on many girls. Because of this we are often exposed to comments and judgments based on how we look. That's what I want to change.
Every woman is beautiful. Every woman is special. Every woman is the winner of her own race. It's not the pace that matters, or the latest running gear. It is important that what you do makes you happy and fulfilled and that at the end of the day you're proud of yourself. Our body is the home of our soul, and if we feel good in it, we must let everyone know. We should be ourselves, beautiful in our own way and healthy.
Stefana Cerovina
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
On this occasion, I would like to shout out Stefana Cerovina, who has been running with us for years and is truly an example in many ways. She is small in size, but dynamite! Stef is someone whose vocabulary does not contain the words I can’t, I will not or I’m afraid – even if she is! She never gives up. She runs the ‘steeplechase’ through life, and she wins.
On this occasion, I would like to shout out Stefana Cerovina, who has been running with us for years and is truly an example in many ways. She is small in size, but dynamite! Stef is someone whose vocabulary does not contain the words I can’t, I will not or I’m afraid – even if she is! She never gives up. She runs the ‘steeplechase’ through life, and she wins.
Anca Bucur
Which AR Community are you from?
adidas Runners Bucharest.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I never thought that running would make me feel so connected to myself and that it would change me so positively. When I was a professional gymnast, I used to see running as a form of punishment.
10 years ago, my perspective changed. Running has become a part of my lifestyle that I now look forward to the next running session, whether it’s running on my own, with my adidas Runners community or at an international race.
Why is the With Women We Run campaign important to you?
I cannot remain indifferent to what's happening around us, and I really hope that my actions contribute in a positive way. With Women We Run has successfully provided a safe space for women to share their stories and seek support without judgment. Taking action and not remaining indifferent can make a significant difference.
I will continue to use my voice and energy, in this direction. As a mom, this initiative adds an extra layer of motivation for me.
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I would like to spotlight Roxana Renci (pictured above). Her active involvement and close connection with the community members showcase a commitment to making a positive impact. Roxana’s approach reflects a caring and understanding personality, creating a space where other women feel safe.
adidas Runners Bucharest.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I never thought that running would make me feel so connected to myself and that it would change me so positively. When I was a professional gymnast, I used to see running as a form of punishment.
10 years ago, my perspective changed. Running has become a part of my lifestyle that I now look forward to the next running session, whether it’s running on my own, with my adidas Runners community or at an international race.
Why is the With Women We Run campaign important to you?
I cannot remain indifferent to what's happening around us, and I really hope that my actions contribute in a positive way. With Women We Run has successfully provided a safe space for women to share their stories and seek support without judgment. Taking action and not remaining indifferent can make a significant difference.
I will continue to use my voice and energy, in this direction. As a mom, this initiative adds an extra layer of motivation for me.
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I would like to spotlight Roxana Renci (pictured above). Her active involvement and close connection with the community members showcase a commitment to making a positive impact. Roxana’s approach reflects a caring and understanding personality, creating a space where other women feel safe.
Sofiene Sow
Which AR Community are you from?
adidas Runners Paris.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
In January, I have quit my job of 20 years to pursue my passion in pastry and baking. Alongside running, I’m now following my heart by training in pastry and will soon pass an exam to get a Pastry Chef certification. My end goal is to open my own pastry shop of course!
Why is the WWWR campaign important to you?
The WWWR campaign is important to me because it’s an educational campaign that highlights some of the issues and concerns Women face. In this campaign I like the suggestion of changing mindset, attitudes and I appreciate the call-out for allyship. This campaign has already created a change in mindsets and opened conversations between people that may have not been discussed before.
It's also helping us as leaders of our communities to remind others that safety for Women in running must be in everyone’s mind. Lastly, what I like a lot about With Women We Run is that it’s not a short-term initiative, it’s a long-term vision that will help everyone to be conscious of what is happening and how they can create change.
adidas Runners Paris.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
In January, I have quit my job of 20 years to pursue my passion in pastry and baking. Alongside running, I’m now following my heart by training in pastry and will soon pass an exam to get a Pastry Chef certification. My end goal is to open my own pastry shop of course!
Why is the WWWR campaign important to you?
The WWWR campaign is important to me because it’s an educational campaign that highlights some of the issues and concerns Women face. In this campaign I like the suggestion of changing mindset, attitudes and I appreciate the call-out for allyship. This campaign has already created a change in mindsets and opened conversations between people that may have not been discussed before.
It's also helping us as leaders of our communities to remind others that safety for Women in running must be in everyone’s mind. Lastly, what I like a lot about With Women We Run is that it’s not a short-term initiative, it’s a long-term vision that will help everyone to be conscious of what is happening and how they can create change.
Reine Penka
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I would like to spotlight one of the other captains of adidas Runners Paris: Reine Penka. She’s organized a number of activities to accompany our runs including thematic runs related to the With Women We Run program as well as regular Q&A sessions.
I think this is a fully educational and inspiring action. We all know how much work putting this in place this can represent for a captain and their crew.
I would like to spotlight one of the other captains of adidas Runners Paris: Reine Penka. She’s organized a number of activities to accompany our runs including thematic runs related to the With Women We Run program as well as regular Q&A sessions.
I think this is a fully educational and inspiring action. We all know how much work putting this in place this can represent for a captain and their crew.
Martin Torres
Which AR Community are you from?
adidas Runners Los Angeles.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I tend to dive in headfirst, my first ever running race was LA Marathon!
Why is the WWWR campaign important to you?
Running, especially on the trails, has given me so much in my life. The idea that some people do not feel safe or have the access to this sport, is not something I can accept.
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I’d like to highlight two of our crew runners: Nancy and Art Navarro. As a married couple, I’ve seen them support each other through all their running adventures, but more importantly, Nancy is an incredibly positive inspiration and leader for other women in our community while Art is a fantastic ally who is always where he’s needed to make sure everyone has a safe and fun run.
adidas Runners Los Angeles.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I tend to dive in headfirst, my first ever running race was LA Marathon!
Why is the WWWR campaign important to you?
Running, especially on the trails, has given me so much in my life. The idea that some people do not feel safe or have the access to this sport, is not something I can accept.
Who would you like to spotlight within your AR community and why?
I’d like to highlight two of our crew runners: Nancy and Art Navarro. As a married couple, I’ve seen them support each other through all their running adventures, but more importantly, Nancy is an incredibly positive inspiration and leader for other women in our community while Art is a fantastic ally who is always where he’s needed to make sure everyone has a safe and fun run.
Nancy & Art Navarro
For more information about With Women We Run, don’t forget to follow adidas Runners on Instagram.
Join the adidas Runners community now. Become an adidas Runner and run with us.
Join the adidas Runners community now. Become an adidas Runner and run with us.
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