Alison Shanks Launches World-First Running And Cycling Concept
Legendary Kiwi cyclist Alison Shanks has launched Running and Cycling Heroes in New Zealand - the world's largest rewards platform for runners and cyclists.
The concept – launched in Paris three years ago – is simple: run or ride and get rewarded. Users simply connect their
GPS tracking app, exercise, and their automatically-synced activities will earn them discounts and prizes as extra
motivation to move.
The former world champion cyclist and recent mother of two said when she first heard about the platform's success in
France, the UK and Australia she knew Kiwis would love it.
"It doesn’t matter if you are running for the first time or you’re an elite athlete. Any runner of any ability can be a
part of Running and Cycling Heroes and accumulate points. For the very first time, your blood, sweat, tears and
kilometres will reward you," said Shanks.
“You get extra motivation to exercise, with the chance to win stacks of prizes and earn points for exclusive discounts
off huge brands – it’s like frequent flyer points for your exercise!”
Since launching in Paris in 2014, more than NZD$1 million worth of gear has been distributed worldwide to people who
have simply collected rewards points through running, cycling or walking.
Running Heroes has more than 500 brand partners; across sport, lifestyle and leisure. They include the likes of Adidas,
Nike, Asics, The Iconic, TomTom, 2XU, Lorna Jane and Under Armour.
"There have been numerous 5-star running trips to Thailand and 10 day adventure holidays valued at more than $3000 given
to Australian members. They literally haven’t done anything apart from run in order to win!
"Summer is coming, people are out exercising - so you might as well make those kilometres count and grab yourself some
discounts during the silly season. Our weekly challenges are fun with awesome prizes to win,” said Shanks.
So how does Running and Cycling Heroes work?
Running and Cycling Heroes is a completely FREE service that connects with the most popular apps, GPS watches and
activity trackers such as Runkeeper, Strava, Nike +, TomTom, Fitbit, Polar, and Garmin. As you run you are rewarded with
points that go towards discounts off products and services.
Once your run is complete, your activity, based off your GPS, will seamlessly sync back to Running and Cycling Heroes
where points will be given. Activity points are calculated by:
1. Distance run
2. Amount of time you have run for
3. Elevation
4. Your speed
To join go to https://nz.runningheroes.com/rewards/running.
Check out the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfD2Cdg9bVc=youtu.be
ENDS
About Alison Shanks
Shanks is a double world champion cyclist and New Zealand Olympian who retired from cycling in 2014. She is now a mother
to her three-year-old son Lucas and three-month-old daughter Abigail. She is a current director on the Cycling New
Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand Board. She is also a member of the NZ Olympic Committee Athletes
Commission and has recently been appointed to the Commonwealth Games Athletes Advisory Commission.