OUTRUN THE SUN Official Sun Safety Partner

USA Track & Field (USATF) and Outrun the Sun, Inc. (OTS) announced a cause marketing partnership designating OTS as the National Governing Body’s “Official Sun Safety Partner.” The partnership integrates the sun safety message in USATF national and grassroots programs and marketing to athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.

"Skin cancer remains the number one form of cancer in America and it is highly preventable. Our partnership with USATF provides a valuable delivery system for sun safety messaging and skin cancer prevention among runners and walkers nationwide,” said Anita Day, Executive Director of OTS. “We are pleased to be reaching USATF youth and adult members with educational information about skin cancer, including melanoma. When it comes to preventing melanoma, education is key.”

OTS will collaborate with USATF in the production and distribution of sun safety education materials targeting track and field clubs, runners and walkers, officials and spectators, and direct-to-consumer engagement at USATF championships, meetings and events.

USATF will be recognized at the Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma in Indianapolis on Saturday, June 4.This is the largest evening event of its kind in America with proceeds supporting skin cancer education and melanoma research.

"We realize the importance of sun safety and the leadership role that USATF has taken by adopting the sun safety education initiative,” said Mike McNees, the Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of USATF. "USATF’s obligation to provide safe practice and competitive venues must include this commitment to advance sun safety education initiatives through our associations, coaching education, club practices, group distance runs, Junior Olympic meets and championship events. Together, USTAF and Outrun the Sun can make a great impact on sun safety education.”

The USATF/OTS partnership kicked off with a virtual Race Against Melanoma, in May 2011 encouraging USATF members and their constituencies to participate in a run or walk of any distance at any time or location during May, national melanoma awareness month. When registering, each person takes the “OTS Sun Safety Pledge” and receives information about sun safe practices. Proceeds support the USATF sun safety initiative.

Public Service Announcement