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As the Official Safety Partner of the Pittsburgh Marathon, Wesco helps life run smoothly.

 Their mission to build, connect, power, and protect the world doesn’t just shape industries—it shapes lives.In this final part of our series, we’re diving into the last and perhaps most meaningful pillar: Protect.

Running may seem like a high-impact activity, but when you zoom out, it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect what matters most. From mental health to physical resilience to the planet itself, every run is a chance to take care of yourself and the world around you.

Here's how:

 

1. Protect your mental health. 

Life moves fast. Between busy work schedules, family responsibilities, and a world that never seems to slow down, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Running gives you an outlet—a moving meditation that protects your peace of mind.

Research from organizations like the Mayo Clinic and the Anxiety & Depression Association of America shows that regular aerobic exercise, like running, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When you run, your body releases endorphins that naturally boost your mood and lower stress levels.

Even just 20 minutes outside can be enough to change your perspective. So while it may look like you’re just going for a run, you’re actually doing something far more important: protecting your mental well-being.

 

2. Protect your body for the long run. 

Running builds physical strength, but it also protects the systems that keep you moving through life. A consistent running routine can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve lung capacity, support joint health, and help maintain a healthy weight.

Think of it like a long-term investment in your health. By showing up for your runs, stretching, fueling properly, and listening to your body, you’re giving yourself the tools to stay strong—not just today, but for years to come.

Even if you’re not chasing a personal best, every mile matters. Every step is part of protecting the one body you get.

 

3. Protect the environment.

Running is one of the most sustainable sports out there. No batteries. No fancy gear required. Just you, your shoes, and the road. It’s a simple reminder that we don’t need much to feel connected, grounded, and alive.

And when you take your runs outside—whether it’s on a city sidewalk or a trail through the woods—you become more attuned to the spaces you move through. That awareness can inspire everyday choices that help protect the planet: picking up litter on your route, choosing reusable gear, or supporting races and brands that prioritize sustainability.

When you love where you run, you want to take care of it.

 

Protecting What Matters

So, what does running protect?

It protects your peace, your health, your community, and your planet.

It’s not just a workout—it’s a commitment. One that aligns with Wesco’s mission to build, connect, power, and protect a better world.

As you lace up for race day, remember that every mile is a powerful act of protection. For your body. For your mind. For the world we share.

Let’s keep running toward something greater—together.