Mizuno's Mobile "Baton" App Allows Runners To Turn Miles Into Dollars In Support Of "Back On My Feet"

NORCROSS, Ga., May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuno is converting "miles into money" by donating $1 for every mile run up to 100,000 miles by runners who download and run with Mizuno's mobile "baton" app at www.ifeverybodyran.com. The program is the next phase of Mizuno's "What If Everybody Ran?" campaign, which celebrates running's ability to inspire positive change. All proceeds will be donated to Back on My Feet, an organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness get back on their feet personally and financially through job placement and other resources.

Each participant who downloads and uses the 'digital baton' over the course of a week can then "pass" the baton to other runners through a convenient social media share function. The relay will be live through August 25^th and consumers can download the app at any point until August 18^th.

"The number of stories, photos and runs that have been shared over the last two months as part of the campaign has been unbelievable.  We have witnessed first-hand how running can truly transform individuals, families and communities," said Kim Hoey, Running Division Brand Manager, Mizuno USA. "Now we are putting our beliefs into action through the Mizuno Baton and raising awareness and donations for our partners at Back on My Feet."

Based in Philadelphia, Back on My Feet is a national for-purpose organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living. Running leads to personal transformation and dedication to the program provides access to much-needed training, employment and housing resources. Back on My Feet operates in 11 chapter cities across the U.S.

"Back on My Feet is honored to be the exclusive charitable partner of the Mizuno Baton campaign which will enable runners nationwide to turn their miles into positive change for Back on My Feet Members experiencing homelessness," said Mary K. FitzGerald, CEO of Back on My Feet. "Mizuno recognizes the greater impact running can have on people's lives and we look forward to engaging the Back on My Feet community with the baton application."

To download the "Baton" app, consumers can visit the Apple App Store or for Android users, visit the Google Play store. Or visit the "If Everybody Ran" microsite – www.ifeverybodyran.com – to download the app, view the leaderboard and find out more about the program.

Join Mizuno on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to follow the transformative power of running as it moves around the U.S. Consumers can join the conversation and share their running moments using #IfEverybodyRan.

About Mizuno USA
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.

SOURCE Mizuno USA, Inc.