Learn why 30K+ employees worldwide go gaga over this virtual race

Take up the challenge: 10,000 steps daily in 100 days.

Stepathlon is a pedometer-based, mass participation corporate initiative that motivates individuals to take 10,000 steps a day as recommended by global health authorities. The concept is a 100 day race around a 'virtual world' for companies of all sizes, across all industries and countries.

Stepathlon, which started in Australia has an initial fund of SGD 2.3million, is growing year by year. In their first year, Stepathlon had 21,237 participants representing 143 companies and 19 countries. In a matter of just one year, the numbers grew by 47% to 30,897 participants from 210 companies across 434 cities and 34 countries, revealed co-founder Ravi Krishnan in an interview with Singapore Business Review.

"We are growing and we aim to become – THE “Movement for Movement” across the globe," he said.

Now, the concept has arrived to Singapore all the way from India.

"In the fast-paced world today, have intensive work schedules that take a toll on both body and mind, leaving them with little time to invest in their own health and fitness. Stepathlon provides a simple, fun and relevant solution to maintain and establish a healthier and happier lifestyle by mitigating both time and space constraints," said Ravi.

Stepathlon combines awareness and engagement to create healthier, happier and more productive individuals and companies. It also has a 12 month program consisting of 9 Stepping Stones to health and happiness.

"Stepathlon creates opportunities for employees that do not have structured exercise schedules to invest in their health and wellbeing by focusing on the taking 10,000 daily. It's 100 days duration promotes habitual change in a supportive, fun and engaging manner. It combats the significant effects and costs of absenteeism and presenteeism (where an individual is physically present but unable to give 100% at work), which have negative impacts on both companies and employees. Furthermore, Stepathlon encourages teamwork and unites an organization across locations via common goals. Teamwork is enhanced when employees of all ages participate in the programme together," he added.

The founders

Ravi, 46 years old and a lawyer by training, founded Stepathlon together with Shane Bilsborough soon after he left IMG. Shane is a renowned Nutritionist and author of three bestsellers books on exercise diet and nutrition.

Being a former sportsman and keen sports enthusiast, health has always been among Ravi’s most passionate pursuits. He spent over 17 years in Indian sports marketing, beginning with setting up IMG in India which was a pioneer across several genres. Establishing a mass participation wellness based event was a natural progression.

"When Shane and I reconnected in 2011, soon after I left IMG, he introduced me to a concept that he had devised and successfully implemented in Australia. Almost immediately, I knew that the timing and relevance of the concept was ideal for the Indian market. The increasing pace of urbanization in India and the fact that our lifestyles today lead to minimal movement required a solution which could be easily and widely adopted."

According to Ravi, one of the key factors driving Stepathlon’s success is its teambuilding format. It is a team event across countries allows for individuals to be part of a global community, giving participants the opportunity to communicate within an ecosystem or network of like-minded people.

"The best reward for us is when Stepathletes share their experiences of how Stepathlon has changed their lives for the better. There have been a number of instances where employees at companies told me stories about how Stepathlon has brought about a change in their habits to make their lives better, healthier and more productive. Some people now only take the stairs instead of elevators, some conduct walking meetings instead of sitting around a boardroom table- I have many examples of positive changes that not only make people healthier but also make them feel better about themselves. That’s often half the battle. Small steps can make BIG differences," said Ravi. 

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Company Profile

Company Name: Stepathlon
Founder/s: Ravi Krishnan, Shane Bilborough
Website: www.stepathlon.com
Total Funding at hand: SGD2.3 million
Start of Operation: 2012

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