17 Goals
GLOBAL RACE
FOR
SUSTAINABILITY
Runners have been racing for two years.
Now cyclists are joining the race.
190+ countries · 17 Goals · 2 Sports · One finish line: 2030
SDG Goal 3
Good Health and Well-Being
Running & cycling advance this goal
SDG Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
190+ nations racing as one
MORE THAN
A RACE.
A MOVEMENT.
The Global Race for Sustainability is a worldwide virtual and in-person race organized by the International Sibling Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to global impact.
In 2012, over 190 countries agreed to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. That deadline is approaching fast. Every step you take in this race raises awareness, builds coalitions, and funds scholarships so runners everywhere — regardless of income — can join the movement.
Run solo. Ride with your club. Race with your country team. Move wherever you are, whenever you want. In 2026, both runners and cyclists compete side by side — the first step in a multi-sport expansion that adds a new discipline every year through 2030.
THE FINISH LINE IS 2030
2 sports. 17 goals. One finish line.
"WE'RE RACING TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE TO CREATE AWARENESS OF THE 17 GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE."— International Sibling Society · issNOW.earth
CHOOSE YOUR
DISTANCE.
Two sports. Ten distances. All virtual — run or ride anywhere in the world. All registrations fund the Global Race for Sustainability Scholarship Fund.
Family Fun Run
Any distance
An inclusive event for parents and their little ones. No experience needed — just show up and run together.
5K Fun Run
5 km
A casual run perfect for families and beginners. Focused on participation, community, and the joy of movement.
10K Challenge
10 km
For more seasoned runners looking for a competitive but manageable distance. Push yourself for the planet.
Half Marathon
21.1 km
A test of endurance and speed, aimed at experienced runners who want to go the extra mile for the SDGs.
Full Marathon
42.2 km
The ultimate challenge for serious athletes. Highlight the global mission with every stride of 42 kilometers.
READY TO RUN FOR THE PLANET?
Register at race.issnow.earth — run anywhere, anytime, for any goal.
CYCLING JOINS
THE RACE
IN 2026.
The Global Race for Sustainability has always been about movement — and in 2026, we're expanding what that means. Cyclists from all 193 UN member countries can now register alongside runners, choosing from five distances from a 10km Leisure Ride to the 130km Epic Ride.
This is the beginning of a five-year multi-sport expansion. Each year through 2030 — the UN's SDG deadline — a new sport joins the race. By the time we cross the finish line, athletes from every discipline will have raced together for a sustainable future.
Whether you run, ride, swim, or sail — there is a place for you in this race.
CYCLING 2026
Five distances for every type of cyclist — from casual weekend riders to serious endurance athletes.
Cycling joins the race for the first time. 10 distances across 2 sports.
Open water and pool swimming events added for aquatic athletes worldwide.
Swim, bike, and run combined — the ultimate multi-sport SDG challenge.
Virtual sailing events bring ocean athletes into the global movement.
The 2030 sport is decided by the global community — cast your vote when registration opens.
New sports are added each year through 2030 — the UN's deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals. All sports race together on the same global leaderboard.
17 WEEKS.
17 GOALS.
ONE PLANET.
Every step you take in the Global Race for Sustainability raises awareness for one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals — the world's shared blueprint for peace, prosperity, and a healthy planet by 2030.
↓ Click any goal to learn more and run for it
SDG icons sourced from un.org/sustainabledevelopment. The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States. International Sibling Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to global impact.
Campaign Phases
LAUNCH
Announce the race and ignite excitement worldwide. The starting gun fires — 190+ countries invited to the line.
RECRUIT
Target 1,000 clubs and form country teams. Build the global coalition one runner at a time.
ENGAGE
17-week SDG spotlight — one goal per week. Every week a new goal, a new story, a new reason to run.
SPRINT
Final countdown and massive registration push. The finish line is in sight — register before it's too late.
The race spans 17 weeks — one for each Sustainable Development Goal. Every week you run, you champion a different pillar of the world's most ambitious plan for the future.
Secure your spot at issNOW.earth
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. The SDGs can only be achieved through a strong global partnership — governments, civil society, the private sector, and people like you.
"190 countries. One race. This IS Goal 17 in action. Run together."
2030 Targets
Strengthen domestic resource mobilization to improve domestic capacity for tax and revenue collection
Developed countries to fully implement their ODA commitments
Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system
17 WEEKS.
17 STORIES.
ONE INBOX.
Every week of the campaign, we spotlight one Sustainable Development Goal — the data behind it, the human story within it, and exactly why running for it matters. Subscribe to receive each week's SDG briefing directly in your inbox.
This Week's Goal
SDG 4: Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Education is the foundation of sustainable development. Yet 244 million children are still out of school worldwide.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time. Sent by the International Sibling Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
THE FINISH LINE ISN'T A TAPE.
IT'S A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
SIX REASONS
TO REGISTER TODAY.
Global Impact
Every step builds stronger coalitions around the world to achieve the SDGs. Your run is a vote for the planet.
Community of Change-Makers
Join a vibrant global community of runners passionate about making a difference — from 190+ countries.
Raise Awareness
Help spread the word about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and inspire others to take action.
Fund Scholarships
Your donation funds the Scholarship Fund, giving access to participants who can't afford to join.
Personal Growth
Challenge yourself and achieve new personal goals while contributing to something far bigger than any finish line.
Race Your Way
Virtual or in-person. Solo or team. Run a 5K or ride a Gran Fondo. Participate wherever you are, whenever you want.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Funded by every registration
Add a custom finisher medal to your registration — designed around all 17 SDGs.
All donations received through this race contribute to the Global Race for Sustainability Scholarship Fund — providing financial assistance to individuals who may not have the means to participate, funding outreach initiatives, and investing in local sustainability projects aligned with the SDGs.
Register & Fund a ScholarshipISS INTERN
MEDIA PREP.
Your complete podcast and interview toolkit. Every talking point, sound bite, and question is engineered to drive your audience to issNOW.earth and register for the race.
The SDGs aren't just policy goals — they're a survival checklist for humanity. And right now, we're behind.
190 countries made a promise in 2012 to fix poverty, hunger, and climate change by 2030. We have just a few years left.
The Global Race for Sustainability turns that promise into action. Every runner is a vote for a better world.
You don't have to be an athlete. You don't have to be fast. You just have to show up — for the planet.
When a family in Kenya and a student in Brazil and a retiree in Germany all run on the same day for the same goals, something shifts. That's the power of this race.
The data is clear: collective awareness campaigns at this scale change public behavior. This race is that campaign.
Every donation funds a scholarship so someone who can't afford to participate, can. That's equity in action.
This isn't a race against each other. It's a race against time — and we're all on the same team.
You can run a 5K with your kids for free. There is no barrier to entry. The only question is: will you show up?
The ISS has spent over two decades connecting people across cultures. This race is that mission in motion.
Right now, you can visit issNOW.earth and register in under two minutes. That's all it takes to join a global movement.
The scholarship fund means your $20 or $30 donation doesn't just register you — it opens the door for someone else.
We talk about climate action, but most people don't know how to act. This race gives them a concrete, physical way to do it.
Running is universal. It crosses language, culture, income, and geography. That's why this is the right vehicle for the SDGs.
Go to issNOW.earth right now. Register. Then tell five people. That's how movements grow.
The 17 SDGs cover everything from clean water to gender equality to climate action. This race champions all of them, simultaneously.
Virtual and in-person. Solo or team. 5K or marathon. There is a version of this race for every single person on Earth.
The deadline is 2030. The race is open now. The question is whether you'll be part of the solution.
issNOW.earth is where this movement lives. It's where you register, where you find your country team, and where you make your step count.
Every step you take in this race is a signal to the world: I see the problem, and I'm moving toward the solution.
READY TO TELL THE STORY?
Every interview is an opportunity to send someone to issNOW.earth. Use this toolkit to make every conversation count.
READY-TO-DEPLOY
CONTENT PACK.
Copy, paste, and post. Every caption is engineered to drive registrations at issNOW.earth.
Instagram / Facebook
Visual Story
The data is in. The deadline is 2030. And the Global Race for Sustainability is how we respond. Every step you take raises awareness for the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Run a 5K with your family. Run a marathon for the planet. Run wherever you are, whenever you want. 190+ countries. One race. One future. 👉 Register now at issNOW.earth #GlobalRaceForSustainability #ISSRace #RunForThePlanet #RunForTheFuture #issNOW
Instagram / Facebook
SDG Focus
Did you know the world agreed to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace for everyone by 2030? That's the promise of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. And the Global Race for Sustainability is how we keep it. Join runners from 190+ countries. Choose your distance. Make your step count. 🔗 issNOW.earth — register today. #RunForSDGs #GlobalRaceForSustainability #ISSRace #SDGs2030 #RunForGood
Instagram / Facebook
Scholarship CTA
Your $20 registration doesn't just get you into the race. It funds a scholarship so someone who can't afford to participate, can. The Global Race for Sustainability Scholarship Fund is how we make this movement truly global — not just for the privileged few, but for every runner on every continent. Register at issNOW.earth. Run for the planet. Open the door for someone else. #GlobalRaceForSustainability #ISSRace #RunForThePlanet #SustainabilityScholarship
X / Twitter Thread
5-Tweet Thread
1/ The world made a promise in 2012: end poverty, protect the planet, ensure peace for everyone — by 2030. That's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. And we're running out of time. 🧵 2/ The Global Race for Sustainability is how we respond. 190+ countries. 1,000+ clubs. 5 distances. Virtual and in-person. Run wherever you are, whenever you want. @issNOW_earth 3/ Every registration funds the Scholarship Fund — so runners who can't afford to participate, can. Your $20 or $30 donation opens the door for someone else. That's equity in action. 4/ You don't have to be fast. You don't have to be an athlete. You just have to show up for the planet. 5K with your kids. Marathon for the mission. Family Fun Run — free. 5/ The deadline is 2030. The race is open now. Register at issNOW.earth and join the movement. #GlobalRaceForSustainability #ISSRace #RunForThePlanet
Professional Post
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals represent the world's most ambitious shared commitment — and the 2030 deadline is approaching faster than most organizations realize. The Global Race for Sustainability, organized by the International Sibling Society (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), offers a powerful, tangible way for companies, clubs, and individuals to publicly align with the SDGs. Participants from 190+ countries run virtually or in-person, choosing from 5K to full marathon distances. All donations fund the Global Race for Sustainability Scholarship Fund, expanding access to underserved communities worldwide. For organizations looking to demonstrate genuine SDG commitment — not just in reports, but in action — forming a country team is a meaningful first step. Learn more and register your team at issNOW.earth. #Sustainability #SDGs #CSR #GlobalRaceForSustainability #ISSRace
Podcast Outro
30-Second Script
"Before we wrap up — if today's conversation moved you, I want to challenge you to move your feet. The Global Race for Sustainability is open right now. You can run a 5K with your family, a 10K on your lunch break, or a full marathon for the planet. It's virtual. It's global. And it starts at issNOW.earth. That's I-S-S-N-O-W dot earth. The link is in the show notes. Register today — and run for the 17 goals that matter most. Thanks for listening. Now go run."
THE STORY
THE WORLD NEEDS.
The Race to 2030: Why the Global Race for Sustainability Is the Most Urgent Event You've Never Heard Of
190 Countries. 17 Goals. One Race — And You Can Join It Right Now at issNOW.earth
New Data Reveals the SDG Gap — And a Global Running Movement Is Asking You to Do Something About It
The International Sibling Society's Global Race Turns Awareness Into Action — One Step at a Time
From Kenya to Brazil to Germany: How the Global Race for Sustainability Is Building the World's Largest SDG Coalition
Always use Tier 1 tags (#GlobalRaceForSustainability #ISSRace) plus context-specific tags for maximum reach.
RUN FOR
THE PLANET.
Register now at issNOW.earth and join 190+ countries racing toward a sustainable future.
5K · 10K · Half Marathon · Full Marathon · Family Fun Run (Free)
Virtual & In-Person · Open Through December 31, 2030
/register
STILL
HAVE
QUESTIONS?
Still not sure? The best way to find out is to register — the Family Fun Run is completely free.
Register Free at issNOW.earthThe Global Race for Sustainability is a virtual race — you run wherever you are, on any day during the event window, on any route you choose. Whether that's your neighbourhood streets, a local park, a treadmill, or a trail halfway up a mountain, your kilometres count.
This is by design. The race is built for 190+ countries to participate simultaneously. There is no single start line — the whole planet is the course.
Absolutely. Walking, jogging, running, or even hiking — all are welcome. The Global Race for Sustainability is an inclusive movement, not a competitive time trial. What matters is that you move, that you show up, and that your participation adds to the global count of people who chose to act for the planet.
The Family Fun Run distance (free to enter) is specifically designed for all ages and all fitness levels.
Results are self-reported directly on race.issnow.earth. After completing your distance, you log your time and upload proof of activity (a GPS screenshot from Strava, Garmin, Apple Watch, or any fitness app works perfectly). Your result is then recorded on the global leaderboard here on our platform.
You don't need a chip, a bib, or a timing mat. You need a pair of shoes and a phone.
Every dollar goes directly to the International Sibling Society (ISS), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Entry fees fund:
- →ISS scholarship programmes for students from under-resourced communities
- →Global SDG education and awareness campaigns
- →Country team coordination and race infrastructure
- →Media and storytelling initiatives that amplify the 17 Goals
The Family Fun Run is free. Paid distances start at $15 for the 5K.
There are five distances to choose from:
All distances are virtual. Register at issNOW.earth.
No — you can register as an individual from any country. However, joining or forming a country team is strongly encouraged. Teams add a layer of collective purpose: you're not just running for yourself, you're representing your nation in a global movement.
The ISS is actively recruiting 1,000+ clubs and organisations to form country teams. If your running club, university, or organisation wants to represent your country, reach out to the ISS team at issNOW.earth.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the United Nations' blueprint for a better world by 2030. They cover everything from ending poverty and hunger, to quality education, clean energy, climate action, and peace. Every country in the world has committed to achieving them.
The Global Race for Sustainability runs for 17 weeks — one week per goal. Each week, the campaign spotlights a different SDG with stories, data, and actions. Scroll up to explore all 17 goals, or click any icon to learn more.
Running itself doesn't plant trees or end poverty — but collective, visible action does three things that matter enormously for the SDGs:
- 1.Raises awareness — 190+ countries moving together for the same goals generates media coverage, social sharing, and public conversation that no single campaign can match.
- 2.Funds real programmes — entry fees directly support ISS scholarships and SDG education initiatives.
- 3.Builds community — the race connects people across borders who share a commitment to the same future, creating lasting networks for change.
The race runs over a 17-week campaign window aligned with the ISS's SDG spotlight series. Participants complete their chosen distance at any point during the event window — there is no single race day.
Check the race.issnow.earth event page for the exact dates and to register before spots fill.
Yes. All registered participants who submit a verified result receive a digital finisher certificate personalised with their name, distance, and time. The certificate is shareable on social media and LinkedIn — a tangible record of your commitment to the SDGs.
Physical medals may be available for select distances — check the race.issnow.earth registration page for the latest details.
Yes — there are several ways to participate beyond running:
- →Register for the free Family Fun Run and walk the distance
- →Volunteer as a country team coordinator or campus ambassador
- →Share the race on social media using #GlobalRaceForSustainability
- →Subscribe to the Goal of the Week newsletter to follow the 17-week SDG campaign
- →Partner with the ISS as an organisation — contact issNOW.earth
Your Digital Race Bag
Every registered participant receives exclusive resources, partner offers, and sustainability tools in their virtual race bag — delivered straight to your inbox.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available · Reach participants from 193 countries racing for the UN SDGs. Contact us at [email protected] to claim your spot.
Your Brand Here
PlaceholderReach 193 nations of sustainability-minded athletes and advocates. Premium sponsor placement in every participant's virtual race bag.
Become a SponsorSustainability Partner
PlaceholderAlign your brand with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Gold-tier sponsorship includes bib logo placement and leaderboard recognition.
Partner With UsTraining Plans
Download your personalized training plan — 5K through Full Marathon for runners, Leisure Ride through Epic Ride for cyclists.
Access Training PlansGear Discount Partner
PlaceholderExclusive discounts on running and cycling gear for all GRS participants. Silver-tier sponsorship available for sports equipment brands.
Advertise HereSDG Action Toolkit
17 actionable guides — one for each Sustainable Development Goal. Share your commitment on social media with #GlobalRaceForSustainability.
Explore SDGsCommunity Sponsor
PlaceholderSupport 193 country teams racing for a sustainable future. Bronze sponsorship includes social media shoutouts and certificate recognition.
Join as SponsorCustom Finisher Medal
A real gold finisher medal custom-engraved with your distance — designed around all 17 UN SDGs. Add it to your registration for worldwide shipping.
Add to RegistrationRegistered participants receive their virtual race bag contents via email after completing registration.