Andy Devaney
The Long Run Club isn’t just cycling another lap around the sun. This time, they’re riding straight at one of humanity’s darkest issues: modern slavery. The ethical cycling apparel brand has teamed up with creative powerhouse BUCK and anti-slavery charity Ride For Freedom to launch a new limited-edition jersey — and this one carries more weight than your average lycra.
Every jersey sold funds workshops that teach school children how to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking. Not a vague “percentage to charity” gesture — actual funding, measurable impact. Each jersey educates twelve children. Sell 50, and you fund an entire school. No grandstanding. Just action.
Timed ahead of Anti-Slavery Day on 18th October, the launch coincides with Ride For Freedom’s Cycle Revolution Event Week, where riders around the world take on personal or team cycling challenges under the campaign theme “United In Purpose.” It’s not about who rides furthest — it’s about riding for someone who can’t.
“Every detail is designed to spark conversation”
Co-founder Lily Rice didn’t hide her pride in the collaboration: “Working with fellow B Corp BUCK and Ride For Freedom on this project has been incredible. BUCK have designed a jersey that’s bold, creative, and packed with meaning. Every detail is designed to spark conversation and remind people why we ride.”
But this isn’t charity washed in neon stitching. The Long Run Club has always married sport with ethics — not just in branding, but in manufacturing.
“Ride For Freedom’s mission is something we care about deeply at LRC. Our jerseys are made ethically and sustainably meaning we not only look at the fabrics used – which are made from post-consumer recycled plastic – but also how and where the kit is created.
Our factories pay fairly and ensure workers’ rights. Collaborating with RFF means we can create kit to be proud of. Ultimately sport is about resilience, community, and striving for better – and this collaboration turns those values into action.”
BUCK brings the heat with a design that demands attention
This isn’t your typical cycling club kit — unless your club kit was designed by a studio trusted by Samsung, Airbnb, JP Morgan and other giants. BUCK brought its global creative team into play for a “sticker patch-inspired” design that mixes colour, movement, protest and purpose.
“We designed this jersey, inspired by sticker patches, to spark conversation and create maximum impact. We wanted those who wear the bold design to carry with them messages of action, courage, and a commitment to ending modern day slavery,” said Ben Langsfeld, Chief Design Officer of BUCK.
“Our team collaborated across multiple offices and design disciplines to create a motif for The Long Run Club that is sharp and eye-catching both visually and emotionally. This collaboration is a natural extension to our GOODS by BUCK program where we tap our talented designers and artists to create unique items for positive change.”
The numbers are ugly – but doing nothing is uglier
Modern slavery isn’t someone else’s problem. It’s happening now, and it’s closer than most would care to admit. Globally, 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery — one in four is a child.
Here in the UK, 17,004 potential victims were referred to the National Referral Mechanism in 2023, including 14,500 children at risk of criminal exploitation. Those numbers are only the incidents we actually know about.
This jersey doesn’t solve everything. But it hits back. And it hits where it matters — education.
“This jersey is more than a cycling kit, it’s a symbol of solidarity,” said Vicky Hvartchilkova, COO of Ride For Freedom.
“The design demands attention and encourages people to talk about modern slavery. This exciting collaboration with two powerhouse B Corps, The Long Run Club and BUCK, allows us to turn creativity and purpose into meaningful change.
With this limited-edition jersey, people can wear the impact – turning awareness into action and helping us protect the most vulnerable through education. Freedom looks good on everyone, and this collaboration is helping make it a reality.”
How to get one
The jerseys go live 13th October 2025 at www.long-run-club.com. The opening release is limited to corporate teams and clubs — the idea being to unite people who ride together for a cause that goes beyond gear and Strava screenshots.
Team enquiries: hello@long-run-club.com
A second, smaller public release will follow later in the year.
Useful Links
- Ride For Freedom – Cycle Revolution: www.rideforfreedom.org
- Long Run Club Shop: www.long-run-club.com
- BUCK: www.buck.co
