How Running, Fitness, and Recreation Companies are Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak
With retail stores, gyms, and studios across the country currently closing their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, several companies in the running and fitness industries are stepping up to support their employees and others affected by the pandemic.
Some businesses, such as Brooks and Lululemon, have promised to pay their hourly workers while the retail stores have closed. Others, including Nike and Under Armour, have pledged to donate money to support coronavirus response efforts and have also started using their own facilities to produce personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Individuals are chipping in, too—pro runner Kate Grace of the Bowerman Track Club pledged to donate a tenth of her income for the month of March to local food banks in Portland, Oregon.
It’s important to note that large companies are perhaps better suited than smaller ones to weather the financial loss of temporarily closing their stores. Many smaller operations—including local running stores, fitness studios, and event organizers—are struggling to stay afloat without customer foot traffic or races to pull in revenue at this time. Here are a few ideas for how to support your local running community.
During this uncertain and isolating period, lifting each other up is of utmost importance. Here, we’re highlighting a few of the generous ways that companies in the running, fitness, and recreation industries are responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
We’re keeping an eye on how other companies are supporting COVID-19 relief efforts and will update this list when possible. Also, please tell us in the comments if you know of a company assisting its employees and the greater community during this time.
The coronavirus spread is a rapidly developing situation. For the most up-to-date information, check resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) regularly. This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Nike announced that it is now creating face shields for healthcare workers using repurposed materials from shoes.