Running for Confidence: Dove’s Women-Only Marathon

Campaign Goals

Running for Confidence: Dove’s Women-Only Marathon


Dove has always stood for real beauty and self-confidence. Yet in Bangladesh, nearly half of women struggle with low self-esteem due to body shaming, stereotypes, and societal pressures. The brand wanted to go beyond traditional advertising and tell a story that celebrated women’s resilience, strength, and authentic self-belief. That’s where we stepped in to turn a marathon into a powerful narrative of confidence.

Rethinking the Marathon

While marathons are usually about competition, we saw an opportunity to focus on empowerment. The goal wasn’t about who finished first but about embracing the journey, overcoming self-doubt, and celebrating personal growth. We wanted the run to tell a story of strength and self-belief that went beyond the race.

Crafting the Experience

Instead of emphasizing speed or timing, we created a women only run in partnership with Active Pulse, where confidence was the real finish line. Every element, from pre-race anticipation to crossing the finish line, became a chance to showcase women supporting each other, taking on challenges, and celebrating every small victory.

Bringing Stories to Life

We captured authentic, unfiltered moments throughout the event and turned them into shareable content. Interactive photo zones, life-size cutouts, and Dove-branded kits allowed participants to create their own stories, making them natural storytellers of the brand’s message.

Producing the Narrative

We managed the entire campaign end-to-end. A series of films and visuals captured the energy and determination of the participants, while a hero film stitched these moments into one powerful story of self-esteem and real beauty. Social media amplification extended the reach, making the run a branded movement that resonated far beyond the event.

Results That Speak

The campaign achieved remarkable outcomes. 1,300 women registered, with 1,156 participating despite nonstop rain, a significant jump from previous events of 250–300 participants. Content generated massive organic buzz, with participants sharing their finish-line moments online. The overwhelming response led to the launch of a virtual women’s run, extending the story beyond the track.

Building Lasting Impact

This campaign demonstrated that experiences can be more powerful than traditional advertising when executed thoughtfully. By capturing authentic moments, providing interactive tools, and amplifying participant voices, we helped Dove turn every step of the run into a celebration of confidence, making the brand a natural part of women’s journeys toward self-belief.