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March 10, 2023
The Washington, D.C. based Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), popularly known as Milk and funded by US dairy milk companies, is expanding its “26.2” initiative to sponsor female marathon runners and generate awareness on the many gender inequalities in sport. The company sponsored women who ran the 2022 Marathon in New York City and this year wants to sponsor every woman running a US marathon who signs up for Team Milk. As part of the campaign it also annouced the “Every Woman Sponsored Fund” in a continued partnership with Girls on the Run (GOTR), an organization dedicated to empowering girls through running.
The 26.2 program intends to create a “running community for women, powered by women” and spotlight female runners’ journeys – from first-time marathon runners to expert marathoners. It will also provide female-focused training resources, nutritional, mental and physical advice from sports experts and on-site support for women running marathons in Denver, Chicago and New York. 26.2 launched in 2021 with a focus on Olympians, NFL players and female footballers. In 2022, the campaign evolved to championing every female athlete at all levels.
“For far too long female athletes have been overlooked and under-supported…We recognize that equality doesn’t happen overnight but without bold change, progress cannot happen,” said Yin Woon Rani, CEO of MilkPEP. “Our 26.2 program works to shine a light on incredible women runners who are proving to future generations that their dreams matter.”
For every woman that signs up for Team Milk, Milk will pledge a donation to the fund with the goal of raising up to $1,000,000 USD. The funding will help GOTR enhance its curricula to further address the root causes of physical, social, and emotional health inequities. Founded in 1996 with 13 girls, the non-profit has served over 2.25 million girls across the country providing a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running. Over the course of its program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences and positively impact their communities, culminating in a celebratory 5k event.
“At Girls on the Run, we are committed to inspiring girls to unlock their limitless potential. In a world where nearly only 5% of sports coverage is dedicated to women, it is time for change – it is time to prove to the next generation that their dreams matter,” said Liz Wian, Vice President of Partnerships and Development at Girls on the Run International.
26.2 is part of Milk’s commitment to be a larger catalyst for change and championing women in sport, stating that 26.2 is an equalizer. “While the numeric marathon distance is the same for every runner – no matter the gender, when it comes to sponsorships, support, and visibility, women start much further behind.” Beginning on Wednesday’s International Women’s Day, @GonnaNeedMilk pledged to only feature women across 100% of its campaigns and content for the year.
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