Together with Willpower, a running apparel brand, we proudly launched “The Night Runners” Prime Racing long sleeve last winter. Due to its huge success, we are continuing the collaboration with an extended summer collection, including a white short-sleeve race shirt and a black EcoVero shirt.

Filmmaker Manuel Peric headed into the mountains to capture the poetic atmosphere of the Night Runner.

“The night runners” collection

Willpower Running & Spot the Dot are joining forces to raise awareness about skin cancer among runners worldwide. €10 from every shirt sold from “The Night Belongs To Runners” collection goes to Spot the Dot. The designs are inspired by Patti Smith’s song Because the Night and by the fact that there are many ways we can protect our skin from sun damage, such as running during hours when UV levels are low (for example, in the evening or at night). We hope these garments will serve as conversation starters to encourage others to perform regular skin checks and protect their skin from UV damage.

Something must be (run)done

Every year, more and more people are diagnosed with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Skin cancer is now among the top three most common cancers in young adults. Many people do not take precautions to prevent skin cancer or monitor changes in their skin, even though early detection can be crucial.

Photographer Manuel Peric

Why the night belongs to runners

Running is much more than just a sport to us. It is a true passion. We live it, breathe it in, and feel it flowing through our veins. Even though we train for our personal goals, there is no such thing as an “off-season” for us. We run after a hard day of work. We run when our legs are tired from the day before. We run through bad weather and rough terrain. And we run when it’s dark, early in the morning or late at night.

This is actually a good thing. It protects us from harmful UV light and reduces the risk of skin cancer. That’s why the night belongs to runners.

Photographer Manuel Peric

Running from the sun

UV light is one of the biggest — yet avoidable — risk factors for all forms of skin cancer. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Both types can lead to skin cancer. Runners and others who spend a lot of time outdoors are especially at risk, particularly when the sun is high and their arms and legs are exposed.

During many endurance sports events, such as marathons and triathlons, participants often spend hours in the sun when ultraviolet rays are strongest — between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

That’s why we encourage everyone to protect their skin from harmful UV light:

Use sunscreen with SPF30 or higher
Wear protective clothing
Seek shade
Go outside when the UV index is at its lowest

Photographer Manuel Peric

Check your skin

Examine your skin from head to toe every month. A self-check is not a replacement for an annual skin examination by a doctor, but it is your best chance to detect the first signs of skin cancer at an early stage.

If you notice a change in an existing mole or spot a new one that looks suspicious, don’t wait — speak with a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will carefully examine your skin, especially any unusual moles you identified during your self-check.

Learn how to check your skin with our free Check-A-Mole browser game:

About Willpower

Willpower is a running apparel brand for outsiders. For hungry hearts and unique souls who think, feel, and see the world differently from the crowd. We are here, and we are many. Because we are proud runners with attitude.www.willpower-running.com

Das Z, CEO & Founder of Willpower. Photograph by Stephan Wieser

“Since day one I understood Willpower as more as just a running clothing brand. Willpower is much more about ideas and values than about the latest sports tech innovation or color of the season. We feel a strong connection to other people, brands, and organizations who tick in a similar way and even more, who care about making this world a better place, while we are here. I met Marije from Spot the Dot through Manuel Peric, who shot the awesome photos for our “Beyond Running” Campaign, and very quickly figured out 2 things: 1.) Marije is absolutely passionate about Spot the Dot and about spreading awareness for skin cancer. And 2.) Skin cancer is a  topic that is highly relevant to runners, being outdoors and in UV light 99% of the time, doing what they love. We both know what had to be done and this collaboration “escalated quickly” so to say haha! On a more serious note, I am very proud of our “The Night Belongs To Runners” long sleeve and project and hope to see you all running through the night with it, soon.”
(Das Z, CEO & Founder of Willpower)