Introduction
AMICI Italia, the leading patient organization in Italy for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In 2023, they launched their first IBD Run, a virtual challenge designed to raise awareness, encourage physical activity, and unite their community. By leveraging Pacer for Teams, AMICI Italia successfully engaged 1,000 participants across the country, creating a meaningful movement that extended beyond fitness—it became a mission-driven event supporting the IBD community.
Following the success of their first event, AMICI Italia is set to host their second IBD Run in April, further solidifying this initiative as a cornerstone of their awareness efforts.
The Challenge: Engaging a Nationwide Community for a Greater Cause
For AMICI Italia, the IBD Run is more than just a fitness challenge—it’s a platform for advocacy, education, and connection. Prior to using Pacer for Teams, the organization needed a way to:
- Connect participants across Italy in a shared experience despite geographical distances.
- Provide an easy-to-use tracking system for participants of all fitness levels.
- Encourage engagement and motivation among IBD patients, caregivers, and supporters.
- Strengthen fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to further support IBD research and patient programs.
By choosing Pacer for Teams, AMICI Italia found a cost-effective and user-friendly platform that enabled them to manage registrations, track activity in real time, and create a more inclusive and engaging event.
Solution: A Virtual Challenge that Unites and Inspires
AMICI Italia launched the IBD Run as a month-long virtual challenge leading up to World IBD Day (May 19). Using Step Challenges and Distance Challenges, they provided flexibility for all fitness levels—whether participants wanted to take small daily walks or run long distances.
To enhance engagement, the event incorporated:
- Custom branding to reinforce AMICI Italia’s mission.
- Leaderboards and real-time tracking to foster friendly competition.
- Team-based participation to build camaraderie among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
- Integration with wearables and fitness apps to ensure easy tracking for all users.
The initiative’s success was further amplified by sponsorships and charity efforts, helping to raise funds and awareness for IBD research and patient support programs.
Impact: Strengthening Community and Advocacy
The IBD Run generated remarkable results, reinforcing the power of movement in driving meaningful change:
- 40% increase in participation compared to previous years.
- Expanded social media reach, with participants sharing their progress and personal stories.
- Stronger sense of community, uniting individuals from across Italy in a shared mission.
By regularly featuring participant stories in newsletters, Instagram, and Facebook, AMICI Italia kept engagement levels high and strengthened its advocacy efforts. Many participants expressed gratitude for the event, noting how it made them feel less isolated and more empowered in their IBD journey.
Conclusion
The partnership between AMICI Italia and Pacer for Teams exemplifies how virtual fitness challenges can transcend physical activity to become powerful advocacy tools. Through the IBD Run, AMICI Italia has successfully combined wellness, awareness, and charity—proving that movement is more than just exercise; it’s a way to connect, support, and inspire change.
