Key Facts:
- Vaseline has been named the Official Nipple Protector of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, launching ‘The Nipple Sponsorship’ campaign to help runners combat chafing across the 42.195-kilometre course.
- New research from Vaseline reveals 92% of marathon participants experience chafing, with 67% reporting bleeding, and 1 in 3 experiencing nipple chafing specifically.
- Vaseline products will be available at the pre-race Running Show and on-course during the event, with the brand also engaging running communities worldwide as part of the campaign.
- Vaseline recommends runners apply petroleum jelly to high-friction areas before racing, wear well-fitted breathable clothing, and carry product for reapplication during longer distances.
- A new Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick, a portable, mess-free product designed for on-the-go reapplication. It is available exclusively at Chemist Warehouse, with limited-time discounts running from 22 July to 15 September 2026.
VASELINE’S ‘THE NIPPLE SPONSORSHIP’ HELPS RUNNERS STAY SAFE FROM THE CHAFE From the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS to running communities worldwide, Vaseline is sponsoring nipples, ensuring runners are covered.
Sydney, SUNDAY 30 AUGUST, 2026: With 40,000 participants set to take part in the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, from first-timers to marathon veterans, more people than ever will be going the distance in pursuit of personal bests and that unmistakable finish line feeling. But across 42.195 kilometres it’s not just endurance that’s tested, friction shows up too.
New research from Vaseline reveals 92% of marathon participants experience chafing on the course, with 67% saying it has led to bleeding. Among the most prevalent and visible areas is nipple chafing, experienced by 1 in 3 marathon goers.
‘Runner’s nipple’ is a familiar experience for marathon participants, but often an overlooked reality that can quickly turn a test of performance into a test of pain. Now, Vaseline is bringing this long-standing runner truth into the spotlight at one of the world’s biggest marathon stages.
Vaseline has been named the Official Nipple Protector of the TCS Sydney Marathon, helping to keep runners ‘safe from the chafe’.
As the Official Nipple Protector of the TCS Sydney Marathon, Vaseline will help participants prepare by offering its iconic Vaseline Jelly products at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show presented by ASICS.
On marathon day itself, Vaseline will also be available on the course, helping participants stay comfortable and protected throughout the 42.195-kilometre challenge.
Across Sydney and running communities worldwide, Vaseline’s ‘The Nipple Sponsorship’ is showing up wherever runners are putting in the miles, helping people stay comfortable, confident, and focused on the road ahead.
“The running community has always built a culture around sharing what works. With 3 in 5 marathon runners already using Vaseline to help reduce chafing, ‘The Nipple Sponsorship’ recognises a hack runners have trusted for decades,” says Nathalia Amadeu, Global Brand Director, Vaseline. “It’s about showing up for runners in the moments that matter, so they can focus on the finish line, not friction.”
“The best partnerships start with genuine relevance, chafing is one of the most common challenges our participants face, so naming Vaseline the Official Nipple Protector of the TCS Sydney Marathon is equal parts good fun and genuine service to our runners,” says Kent Lunney, Commercial Director, TCS Sydney Marathon. “We are proud to welcome a partner of this calibre to Australia’s largest marathon and to back it with a fun campaign that resonates with the running community.”
To get event-day ready, Vaseline is sharing hacks runners rely on to keep things running smoothly, from the first kilometre to the last.
Start early, stay ahead of it: Chafing can often occur by the halfway point (21.1 km), so early prep goes a long way. At the starting line, apply a layer of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to high-friction areas to help reduce rubbing before it begins. This includes inner thighs, underarms, feet, and nipples.
Let your kit do its job: It’s important to wear the right attire. Well-fitted, breathable clothing helps minimise friction caused by movement and sweat.
Plan for the distance: For longer runs, keeping a small amount of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or the NEW Vaseline Balm Stick on hand, in a belt bag or running vest, can help maintain comfort along the way as you top up the affected areas.
Test it, then trust it: The best event-day routines are the ones already tried and tested during training. Don’t leave anything to chance.
Introducing the NEW Vaseline All-Over Body Balm
For runners who need protection that goes the distance, Vaseline is introducing the NEW Vaseline All-Over Body Balm, a portable, mess-free solution built for life in motion. Formulated with Vaseline’s trusted petroleum jelly base, the Balm Stick delivers long-lasting moisture and a protective barrier to skin exactly where friction strikes hardest: inner thighs, underarms, nipples, and feet.
Compact enough to slip into a belt bag or running vest, the Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick is designed for easy, on-the-go reapplication, no mess, no jar, no fuss. The smooth-glide stick format lets runners target high-friction zones mid-race without breaking stride, so they can stay comfortable and focused from the first kilometre to the last. Because when every kilometre counts, there’s no time for friction.
The NEW Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick is available exclusively at Chemist Warehouse. Runners can gear up for race day with a special limited-time offer: $3 off the NEW Vaseline All-Over Body Balm and $2 off Vaseline Petroleum Jelly at Chemist Warehouse, available from 22 July to 15 September 2026.
The TCS Sydney Marathon takes place on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
