Virgin Atlantic launches challenge on Strava to turn exercise into premium travel experiences | News
Virgin Atlantic launches the Virgin Atlantic Passport Challenge on Strava – a global fitness-meets-travel rewards challenge that invites participants to turn exercise into premium travel experiences. Starting Wednesday, May 6, Strava users who log the most miles during the challenge period can enter to win 1 million Virgin Points. Points can be redeemed for future travel on Virgin Atlantic and within the wider Virgin Red ecosystem, including flights from the US to the UK, stays at Virgin Hotels, sailings with Virgin Voyages and more.
The Virgin Atlantic Passport Challenge is open to Strava users in New York City and Los Angeles and encourages participants to log runs, track mileage progress, and participate in curated Strava segments in New York City and Los Angeles. Participants can increase their chances of being selected by earning points through additional in-app activities. Points earned during the challenge will be converted into entries. This means that the more miles registered, the better your chances of winning.
Participants can earn points as follows:
Complete the 20 mile challenge: 5 points
Run extra miles: +1 point for every 5 extra miles
Completing a segment: +1 point per segment (max. 30 per day)
Complete 2 segments in one day: +5 bonus points (once per day)
Complete all 4 segments: +10 bonus points (one-time)
The partnership is designed to reward exercise with the opportunity to earn premium travel experiences, bridging two powerful pillars for today’s traveler: maintaining a wellness routine while traveling and maximizing travel rewards when traveling to Britain and beyond. Participants can track their progress in real time via Strava and the official challenge site, making it easy to see how each mile gets them closer to their next trip across the pond. The challenge ends on Wednesday, June 3 at 11:59 PM PT.
Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented;
“Wellbeing is a key part of Virgin Atlantic’s customer journey, from our new LAX and revamped London Heathrow Clubhouses, designed with wellness in mind, and in-flight at every touchpoint. By working with Strava, we can take advantage of something our customers already love – moving, discovering and making the most of their travel experience – and reward this in a way that feels truly exciting. It’s a fun, innovative take on wellbeing and travel, helping our customers move forward, both on site and at 30,000 people feet.”
Beating the pavement with a hosted run in the Big Apple
Participants who want to earn extra points and take on the challenge outside of the app can join Virgin Atlantic in person on Thursday, May 28 at 5 p.m., starting at Virgin Hotels New York, for a run led by Virgin Atlantic’s Laura Watts, Flight Service Manager and seasoned ultramarathoner.
“Running has taken me all over the world and it has become one of the most meaningful ways I experience new places,” said Watts. “This partnership truly reflects the way people travel today: finding ways to stay consistent with their routines while making the most of where those miles can take them. I’m so excited to bring that energy through this challenge to our upcoming run in New York City and to the Strava community. Whether you’re chasing a new goal or just starting out, it’s about showing up, taking notes and enjoying the journey.”
The organized run takes participants past notable landmarks in New York City, with iconic Virgin Atlantic cabin crew providing water and prizes at the start and end of the run. Virgin Hotels New York will host a runners’ lounge on Everdene Terrace, where participants can enjoy an Exhale Spa recovery station with compression boots and Theraguns in addition to a selection of post-run juices, available exclusively to runners. Throughout the challenge period, Virgin Hotels New York will also feature a dedicated water station in the lobby, providing participants with a place to rest and recharge as they build up their mileage throughout the month.
Well-being before and during the flight
Last year, Virgin Atlantic introduced the sixth clubhouse in its portfolio at LAX, targeting LA’s health and wellness sensibilities, with thoughtful elements that encourage customers to relax and unwind before their overnight flight. For those seeking movement and mindfulness, the immersive Zen Den offers guided sessions by FORME Studio. Customers looking to fuel up before their flight will enjoy signature dishes and healthy options to suit all dietary needs.
Following the success of the LAX Clubhouse, the airline recently unveiled its redesigned clubhouse at London Heathrow, featuring two luxurious new pop-up wellness experiences. Three self-guided Somadomes offer immersive meditation designed to calm and reset, while a new collaboration with Secret Spa introduces a curated menu of dreamy treatments. Together they create the perfect opportunity to relax, refresh and feel ready to fly.
Onboard well-being continues as Upper Class passengers can enjoy reclining seats, an onboard social area to relax with their loved ones, and a curated food and beverage menu featuring fresh, flavorful dishes and a refined selection of relaxing drinks. Customers arrive in London refreshed and ready to run!
To enter the challenge and view full terms and conditions, entry requirements and official rules, visit virginatlanticpassportchallenge.com.
