Get free gear to perform whatever outdoor sports activity you want, without competing — if you think it sounds too good to be true, you’re wrong.
Play your cards right, and you could win a big cache of free gear at a remarkably low entry threshold. Through its participation-based social media campaign, 501(c)(3) nonprofit In Solidarity Project says its goal is to promote efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the outdoor industry. As such, it partnered with 10 outdoor brands to present the #RunHikeBike challenge.
In the campaign, which runs from March 15 through April 15, participants will share straightforward pledges of what they plan to do outdoors on social media channels. Then, they’ll follow those pledges up with posts that show they did it.
It’s as simple as that — all you have to do to participate is start making Instagram posts with the hashtag #RunHikeBike2022. According to the nonprofit, no outdoor activity is off-limits.
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#RunHikeBike 2022 Grand Prize Package and Event Goals
What’s in it for you (other than goal-oriented outdoor time this spring)? Potentially, a slew of prizes. The In Solidarity Project will randomly choose a winner at the end of the campaign who will receive:
- 2 pairs of Vasque footwear
- 2 BioLite Headlamps, including a 330 and a 750
- Cannondale Kid Balance Bike
- 2 Marmot sleeping bags — a Sawtooth and a Teton
- Smartwool running and hiking socks
- Osprey Hikelite 26-pack
- 2 Oiselle Seattle Shower Anoraks
- 2 Annual National Park Passes (from the In Solidarity Project)
- People for Bikes bike lights
The varied haul appears to reflect the nonprofit’s basis for the project — to motivate a diverse group of people to get outside. It also hopes that the challenge will help bring people together and create a sense of community.
“In a time when life feels strained, the outdoors feels like hope to me, and I wanted to share that with others,” said In Solidarity Project founder Teresa Baker.
“So, I envisioned bringing people together and inviting them to join with complete strangers across the country in solidarity, purpose, and commitment. #RunHikeBike has no borders, no pressure. This is it; let’s embrace the serenity of nature and encourage others to do the same.”
How to Participate
The nonprofit specifies running, hiking, and biking as the challenge’s focuses, but they’re not its limits. As it says, “there’s no wrong way to do this,” so you could just as soon bungee jump as go for a walk.
In Solidarity Project says it plans to share posts across brand partner channels, increasing athletes’ visibility. You’re free to participate if you’re 18 or older.
As I write this, the hashtag is off and running with several posts already up.
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Free gear in trade for unstructured playtime and some social media-izing? Count us in. For more details, check out the event page.
