About the Collaboration
Willpower Running & Spot the Dot team up to raise skin cancer awareness among runners worldwide. 10€ of the proceeds of the "The Night Runners" Prime Racing Longsleeve will go to Spot the Dot to raise awareness of skin cancer.
Why The Night Belongs To Runners
To us, running is much more than just exercise. It’s a true passion. We live it, we breathe it and we can feel it running through our veins. Despite training for our goals, there is no such thing as an "off season" for us. We run after a hard working day. We run when our legs are tired from the day before. We run through adverse weather and rugged terrain. And we run when it’s dark, early in the morning or late at night. After all this is 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.
Each year more and more people are diagnosed with melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Skin cancer is meanwhile in the top 3 of the most common cancer types amongst young adults. Many people don’t take measures to prevent skin cancer and don’t check changes on their skin, while early detection can be crucial.
UV light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays--UVA and UVB. Both kinds of radiation can lead to skin cancer. Runners and others who like to be outdoors are especially at risk, particularly when the sun is high and their arms and legs are bare. And during many endurance events such as marathons and triathlons, competitors often spend time in the sun when ultraviolet rays are strongest--between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. But even clouds, water, and wintry weather don't lessen the chances of sun exposure. Most dangerous ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds and water. These rays also can bounce off snow and water, which increases their intensity. Cold weather won't shield you, except for the fact that you'll probably be wearing more clothing.
It’s important to examine your skin head-to-toe at least once a month. Ideally, you build a routine to check your skin right after your after-run shower (learn how to do a self check). Self-exams should NOT replace an annual skin exam performed by a physician BUT they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, be safe and consult a doctor. Remember, melanoma spreads relatively quickly and survival with metastatic melanoma is very limited. Early detection can be crucial and can save your life.
We encourage everyone
to protect their skin in a way that suits them best:
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Wear protective clothing
Seek the shade
Go out when the UV rates are lowest
The night belongs to runners!
"In the last six years, I've been working with street artists, musicians, and athletes to find rebellious ways to raise cancer awareness, eager to find a language that is different from what I had seen before. I'm a big fan of Willpower Running and I was honored to hear that founder Chris reached out to help. We connected over sweet memories of the days we both worked in the hardcore scene, and now we found common ground in the quest to speak to the hungry hearts and unique souls who think, feel and look different from the mass. Willpower Running & Spot the Dot team up to raise skin cancer awareness among runners worldwide. Stay tuned, I am so excited to show you soon what we worked on! "
Marije Kruis![]()
Spot the Dot
"I was always a big fan of the rebels, the not-so-typical athletes, brands, or campaigns. In 2020 Marije (founder of Spot the Dot) reached out to me to ask if I wanted to become an ambassador for her new skin cancer awareness campaign Faster Than Skincancer. For the start of the campaign, we produced our first trail running video. And since this day we became a really good team. The same happened with Willpower. Chris reached out to me this summer to create something for the new Willpower series Beyond. And here I am connected to these two beautiful movements through running & photography. I love working with them, they leave me all the creative freedom while working on their beautiful ideas, movement, or brand. So happy to be a part of this collaboration."
Manuel Peric![]()
NOIR
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 and 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 a topic which 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" longsleeve and project and hope to see you all running through the night with it, soon."
Chris Z![]()
Willpower
About Spot The Dot
Spot the Dot is a small NGO, founded by melanoma patient Marije Kruis. She works with artists and athletes from around the world to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
About Willpower
Willpower is a value driven running brand for the outsiders, the misfits and the contrarians. We love this sport but refuse to go along with the mainstream.
