NikeInc.com

Nike Lunar Icons: Classics Redefined For Everyday

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Helping athletes be faster, stronger and go farther, innovation is critical to athletic performance. But the modern lifestyle also demands fresh innovation, including solutions in comfort, protection and visibility. These demands inspired the Nike Sportswear Footwear Design team to create the Lunar Icons; four familiar Nike styles updated with performance innovation.

The four-piece collection responds to the challenges of the day-to-day hustle through performance-inspired Nike Lunarlon—the ultimate in lightweight, responsive cushioning—and protective elements like external heel clips, ballistic mesh and premium leather.

Nike Lunar Cheyenne

Modeled after Nike’s first soccer boot ("The Nike," released in 1971), the unflagging popularity of the Cheyenne’s simple, elegant aesthetic has made the shoe an icon. The Lunar Cheyenne complements the original’s supple suede upper with the springy feel of Nike Lunarlon cushioning. The fusion of heritage and innovation is a perfect fit for the needs of everyday life.

Nike Lunar Force 1

With the transition from Air to Lunarlon, the Nike Lunar Force 1 is engineered to deliver optimum performance. Featuring unsurpassed cushioning and a compression-molded upper, the Nike Lunar Force 1 is the lightest, most comfortable Air Force 1 ever.

Nike Lunar LDV Trail Low

Originally released in 1978, The Nike LDV quickly became a best-selling long-distance running shoe. The Nike Lunar LDV Trail Low brings the lightweight, responsive cushioning of Lunarlon to the classic shoe. An improved waffle outsole ups traction, while a ballistic mesh upper with premium leather overlay updates the look of the legend.

Nike Lunar Blazer

When the Nike Blazer debuted in 1972 its leather upper, rubber cupsole and herringbone traction pattern were cutting-edge performance innovations. Over the next four decades, the Nike Blazer would transition from a hardwood star to a street staple. The second basketball icon modernized with Nike Lunarlon cushioning, the Nike Lunar Blazer also adds an external heel clip to the mix and is ready to take on life’s daily adventures.

Nike Lunarlon foam technology has redefined cushioning by reducing weigh (it is 30 percent lighter than Phylon) and more evenly distributing force. Improving comfort and performance in running, basketball, tennis, training and skate sessions, it now ushers in a new era of everyday footwear.

The Nike Lunar Icons will be available at Nike Sportswear retailers beginning July 1.

Nike She Runs Quito Marks Series Finale Celebrating 85,000 Female Runners

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:00:00 -0700

After a three-month-long journey, the Nike She Run Series came to an end June 8 in Quito, Ecuador, with 2,000 women joining the 85,000 who have participated in this year’s global women’s running movement. The series began March 10 in Mexico City and included stops in Singapore; Seoul, Korea; Bogotá, Colombia; Sydney, Australia; Panama City, Panama; Caracas, Venezuela; Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay.

More than 40 years after Title IX legislation, women’s sports participation is a well-accepted reality in the United States. But that’s not always the case around the world; in many nations, women’s involvement and interest in sports are still gaining momentum.

Nike’s She Runs series encourages women to embrace running by delivering a positive sports experience, ignited through Nike+ and social communities.

In Quito, runners gathered in Parque Bicentenario, the former Quito airport, for the start of a 7K that featured spectacular panoramic views of the city surrounded by the mountains.

This was the first time the park had been used for a competitive race, and parts of the circuit used the old airport runways. Nike made a special commitment to the park, and will donate a portion of runners´ registration fees to refurbish the park and install new fitness stations.

With a time of 26:00, Jessica Paguay completed the circuit first. Jeanneth Collaguazo (26:05) came in second and Katherine Velasquez (27:07) was third.

Pre-race, runners enjoyed a Nike Training Center warm-up session. During and post-race, a combination of music, lights and fireworks brightened the sky and captivated the crowd.

Runners using Nike+ technology enjoyed post-race massages, gourmet snacks and relaxing areas.

An exclusive Expo for runners took place one day before the race, complete with NTC sessions, a Nike+ area to download the Nike+ app and get familiar with the platform, a temporary tattoo parlor with animal print themes and exhibitions of the new Nike Running Collection.

Colombia Celebrates Power of Women with Nike She Runs Bogota

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:40:00 -0700

On June 1 in Bogotá, Colombia, Nike hosted the fourth edition of She Runs, a running movement that brought together over 3,000 women to complete a 5K circuit through the greenest part of the city.

Under threatening clouds, the women gathered at Simón Bolivar Park for the afternoon race start. Heavy rain started to fall just as the race kicked off and the runners quickly found themselves thoroughly soaked, splashing through puddles. But the wet weather seemed only to fuel the energy. At the finish, Martha Roncería collected the winner’s medal with a time of 17:52, Samantha Guerrero (18:08) came in second and Sandra Rosas (19:11) was third. A music performance by Repercución kept the energy going post-race.

As part of the race experience, Nike hosted its first women-specific Expo in Colombia the day before. It drew more than 3,000 visitors to the city center for gait analysis, bra fittings, Nike Free footwear trials and exposure to Nike Training Club and Nike+.

To learn more about the race, please visit Nike Running Colombia.

After 11 international stops with more than 85,000 participants, Nike's 2013 She Runs Series wraps up June 8 in Quito, Ecuador.

We Own the Night Milan

Fri, 31 May 2013 18:10:00 -0700

Thousands of women gathered tonight in Milan for the European finale of Nike's We Own the Night 10K race series. Milan's first experience of night running for women featured a brand new path through the design capital. Unexpected explosions of light, colour and music made each twist and turn special.

Participants shared the starting line with Italian Olympic marathoner Valeria Straneo and run-crazy TV presenters Melissa Satta and Fiammetta Cicogna. The race exceeded expectations and many runners felt as exhilarated at the end as they did at the beginning.

"This was the best night out! Indeed the whole journey, since beginning my workout with NTC, has been an unforgettable road of firsts. With a very different Milan and thousands of girls around me - an unforgettable night!" —Melissa Satta

"A big party: this is the right way to describe tonight. When I arrived with my Running Team, I couldn’t believe it. This has been about girls running together - and you could feel this energy as we owned the city of Milan." — Fiammetta Cicogna

The post-race party featured suitably energetic performances by the U.K.'s Queen of Clubs Shystie, Loop Loona with Lady Coco and special guest Nina Zilli — Italian soul singer par excellence. Zilli captured the spirit of the night, saying:

"I’m here to celebrate a very special night dedicated to women who are strong in leg and also in spirit. To support this girl power, I’m dedicating a brand new show to all of you, an out-of-the-ordinary musical experience for those who are still not tired of running."

10,000 Women Unleash the Wild Within at She Runs Seoul 7K

Sat, 25 May 2013 10:13:00 -0700

Nike’s global She Runs movement raced on with a special moment in Korea. On May 25, 10,000 women gathered at Peace Square in Seoul’s Sangam World Cup Park for the third annual She Runs Seoul 7K.

This year’s installment included a wide array of on- and off-line innovations, ranging from mobile game-based race registration and pre-event expo, to the venue setup and race itself.

For the first time, the 2013 She Runs Seoul 7K digitally integrated the Nike+ Wild Game into the race registration process. The two-month-long mobile game involved smartphone-based missions that tracked distance and calories. The 1,000 highest-scoring participants were rewarded with guaranteed race entry.

The registered runners were grouped into two courses (Wild and Super Wild), which fueled a competitive atmosphere between the two groups.

A three-day pre-event expo was held in the Seoul Metropolitan City Hall Square. Normally reserved for national events, the square was transformed to suit the energetic female runners. Highlights included performances by dancing crews and hip-hop percussion bands, fashion shows to amplify a stylish running look, and Nike Training Club introductory sessions. Top-tier athletes such as international swimming great Taehwan Park hosted special sessions.

The Expo highlighted two great Nike Brand innovations. The Nike Free ecosystem was on full display with product trial zones and an interactive Free Limbo Zone, where Nike+ Kinect showcased the footwear’s flexibility and freedom of movement. The Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ shared the spotlight, with foot measuring services, explanatory product sessions and Steam to Fit — a service in which the shoes were steamed before product trials, providing participants the perfect fit.

A Nike+ zone presented a Nike+ group challenge to invite runners to experience the application and connect with the race day event. Wild vs Super Wild group treadmill challenges were held to energize the race experience. The Nike+ challenge was extended on race day. All of the Nike+ group challenge miles from the Expo and the pre-race group treadmill challenge miles of the Wild course and Super Wild course participants were accumulated, respectively. After the race, the result showed that the Super Wild course runners had generated more miles during the Nike+ challenges. Two lucky winners from the Super Wild course were selected to participate in next year’s She Runs Singapore Race.

To further ignite the running energy, two Korean volleyball greats, Kim Yeon Koung and Yoo Mi Han, attended the race. Yoo Mi Han said, “I’ve been in the 2012 London competitions, I’ve represented my country at the top level and I’ve played professional women’s volleyball for a long time. But another great feeling is being myself and running free. To experience this with 10,000 strong women makes it such a thrilling experience.”

At the race’s conclusion, runners were greeted with finisher necklaces designed by Nike and J.Estina, and posed for keepsake images in a safari-themed photo zone. At the after-party, K-pop sensation Sistar and Korean hip-jop legends Dynamic Duo and Supreme Team kept the party going late into the night.

There are two more events in the 11-city She Runs series, which has reached more than 85,000 female runners during three months of races. Final stops take place in Bogota, Colombia (June 1) and Quito, Ecuador (June 8).

We Own the Night Paris

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:49:00 -0700

Starting the weekend with beauty and colour, thousands of Parisian girls came together to celebrate the culmination of four weeks of glamorous and inspiring training nights for a run in the center of the city of style.

The No. 1 French distance athlete Laurane Picoche commented:

“I have never seen a race with such colour and style, it was not just about competition. Girls were together for fun and I loved watching that along the route.”

On the starting line with Laurane Picoche and actress Sabrina Ouazani, girls sprang into the party run with a launch of giant balloons in the sky.

They created an orange wave of colour, owning Paris with a unique route that saw eight “Party zones” unveiled along the way. Soap bubbles, light tunnels and live DJ sets kept every kilometre motivating until the finish line.

We Own the Night Berlin

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:17:00 -0700

Right before sunset on May 24, thousands of young women and their BFFs gathered at the starting line on the beach at Plötzensee to make Berlin their runway. The Berlin event marked the midway point of Nike’s We Own the Night women’s races, a series celebrating girl power, music, style and the fun of running. Spectacular lights, amazing sounds and an extraordinary course through areas never before entered by runners were just some surprises waiting for the girls. One of the highlights was Nike’s Power Track technology: A chip that makes it possible to identify runners during the race and deliver their favorite song on the course.

We Own the Night ambassador Jennifer Weist, the charismatic leader of Berlin band Jennifer Rostock, supported the six-week training phase prior to race day and joined the run to complete her first 10K:

“The atmosphere really was breathtaking. And it wasn’t just because there was so much to see and experience, it was incredible to run with so many other young women, who all had their sights set on the same goal. It was the whole package that made it easy for me to finish the 10K – in my personal best!”

Welcomed by the beats of chart-breaking rapper Cro, the runners started to celebrate their unforgettable 10K running experience at the after party on the beach at Plötzensee.

The Sky is the Limit with the Nike Air Max Sunset Pack

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Nike Air Max has served as a canvas to many themes over its 30-year history, but never before has it played host to the sky’s most brilliant moment of the day.

Featuring the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 180, Air Max 95, and Air Max 97, the Sunset Pack shoes feature an orange-to-yellow gradient pattern on Nike Engineered Mesh uppers in a nod to the sun's nightly descent. Black accent panels add contrast and represent the forthcoming night.

Like the reprieve from the day’s heat that sunset brings, Nike Engineered Mesh allows air to flow through a collection of Nike’s most iconic shoe designs. Originally used in performance running footwear, this updated version of traditional spacer mesh shaves weight and improves breathability and flexibility for a more comfortable fit. To uphold the classic look of each Air Max model, zoned tight and loose perforation patterns mirror the color-blocking and overlays of the originals.

The Nike Air Max Sunset Pack will be available globally at select Nike Sportswear retailers in early June.

4,000 Women in Latin America Join Nike She Runs

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0700

Nike’s global She Runs movement made two significant stops in Latin America in recent weeks. At 7 a.m. on May 17, 3,000 women gathered near the Plaza Alfredo Sadel for the start of the fourth annual She Runs Caracas. Sporting salmon-colored tees, the runners moved along the streets of Las Mercedes, Los Naranjos de Las Mercedes and de Valle Arriba streets to complete the circuit.

The first runner to hit the finish line was Yeisy Álvarez, with a time of 17:04. Zuleima Amaya, was just behind, completing the race in 17:10. Karla Urvina finished third in 17:59. Winners received various prizes, while all runners received a commemorative medal to recognize their achievement. Post-race, Nike Training Club coach Beatriz Ruiz offered a stretching session for all runners, while DJ Djane Vicky played select electronic beats.

Silvana Ferrao won the special Nike+ challenge at the brand´s Facebook page, Nike Corre Venezuela, landing the chance to participate in the San Francisco Marathon next fall. She was among a group of runners who logged the largest number of miles prior to the race. Nike+, which has more than seven million active users around the world, offers a free platform for runners to monitor and measure their training sessions and their runs.

“We are seeing impressive growth in women´s participation in races, and we see the She Runs series as a great platform to invite new runners to run, have fun, train and feel good,” said Gaby Padrón, marketing manager of the Nike brand in Venezuela.

Before the race, Nike offered a wide range of options to help runners get ready, including free Nike Training Club sessions, a special Boot Camp to test shoes for the race and a special foot-scanning session.

Panama City hosts Nike She Runs race for first time

A week earlier on May 12, 1,000 athletes took over the streets of Panama City. World-renowned Panamanian long jumper Irving Saladino joined the crowd for a few meters to offer support and encouragement to female runners as the running movement gains momentum in South America.

The 5k event marked a new stop for the all-female Nike She Runs series, which is igniting a passion for running among women in 11 cities in 11 countries around the world. Runners gathered at Calle 50 in the Cinta Costera area at 6 a.m., enjoying the dramatic coastal view at the start of the circuit.

For many participants, the race was the culmination of a six-week journey led by Panamanian Dr. Enitza George, who offered a special training program for those registered for the competition. At the finish line, all runners received medals and enjoyed access to special perks including beauty kits, massages, photos and breakfast.

Nike’s global She Runs series inspires women to embrace running and find motivation through Nike+ and social communities by delivering a positive sports experience, particularly in countries where women’s sports participation is continuing to gain momentum. Now in its fourth year, the She Runs series is taking place in 11 cities and kicked off on March 10 in Mexico City. The series will wrap up on June 8 in Quito, Ecuador. During the three-month-long series, more than 85,000 women (up from 20,000 in 2009) will participate.

We Own the Night Amsterdam

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:42:00 -0700

On the beats of Amsterdam’s best DJs such as DJ Sandrien and DJ Cinnaman, Amsterdam’s runners owned the night with their friends. The race went through the industrial Westergas terrain, the spot where creativity and culture come together. After 10k, runners found themselves on a catwalk entering the stage in the Gashouder together with Amsterdam based singer Eva Simons. Eva Simons joined the run finishing her first 10k race and then got on stage right after to start the celebration for all runners with a unforgettable performance.

We Own the Night London

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:19:00 -0700

The ladies of London came together to own the night with a run in Victoria Park on May 18. An event village added a festival feel with tents hosted by Nike+ and ELLE UK with nail bars, advice from Nike Master Trainers and much more. Paula Radcliffe commented:

“It’s amazing to see such a young and inspiring group of women coming together to celebrate their newfound love of running. This has been a truly unique six-week training journey and I’m delighted to be here to celebrate with the girls on race day."

Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief, Elle UK added: “Who would have thought that running 10k could be so much fun? Tonight’s run with Paula Radcliffe, Henry Holland and thousands of ELLE readers was another landmark for the ELLE Running Club. We've gone from 0 to 10k in five months and the best part is, we did it together.” Henry Holland also shared: "It’s not the first time I’ve been the only man in an all-female situation."

In addition to style and flair, the race also included innovative technology to help bring the night to life and make every runner part of the spectacle. All runners wore Xylobands, which created waves of coloured light through the night air and illuminated the route to an uplit tunnel marking the finish line. Athletes Paula Radcliffe and Perri Shakes-Drayton presented each girl with a finishers bracelet and a well-deserved glass of prosecco at the end. Ensuring the euphoria of race day continued into the night, runners celebrated their achievements together at an after-party, signalling the end of London’s memorable We Own The Night 10k journey.

Running Goes Primetime with Nike’s We Own the Night Races

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:30:00 -0700

Nike’s We Own The Night run series kicks off May 18 in London's Victoria Park, uniting thousands of female runners in a celebration of sport, style, design and culture. We Own the Night (WOTN) will create a festival atmosphere in the streets of Europe's capitals — London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris and Milan — with live music and DJs, light shows and after-parties.

Each city 10K will serve up a unique experience that speaks to the respective city’s character and energy. Nike athletes and influential personalities from the worlds of music, fashion, film and TV will join race participants in each locale.

WOTN participants took part in six-week personalized training programs combining physical and digital experiences leading up to the races. The journey included invites to VIP Nike Training Club classes at locations such as the SoHo House rooftop in Berlin to Paris's beautiful Jardin D'acclimatation. To inspire registrants' training journey, Nike treated them to boutique shopping celebrations with expert fitness and style consultants, and run club sessions hosted by celebrities such as platinum-selling pop star and runner Ellie Goulding.

Digitally, runners have been able to get more out of each run by tracking their time, distance, pace and calories burned via Nike+. They have made every workout count with the Nike+ FuelBand and the Nike Training Club App, and connected with Nike communities via Facebook as they prepare to run and party together.

Here's a preview of each race:

London

In East London, the city’s epicenter of emerging street style and culture, the series will kick off with a race full of vibrant color and music. The Henry Holland-designed race packs have secured the designer a rare male entry to the event; but Holland will face stiff competition at the starting line from marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe. DJs Gemma Cairney and DJ Neev will keep energy high with a curated mix of London's emerging music tracks as runners cruise through Victoria Park.

Amsterdam

The party continues the following night in Amsterdam. DJs will help create an exhilarating atmosphere to keep runners moving through the twists and turns of fluorescent-lit Westerpark. International singer Eva Simons hits the run fresh from the Beyonce tour, joining the WOTN pack on the Catwalk for their moment of running fame. From the track to the stage; Simons will perform a celebration concert as part of the after-hours pay-off.

Berlin

On May 24, sneaker culture capital Berlin will host WOTN on a never-before-run 10K route that travels through illuminated airfields, Berlin's most vibrant neighborhoods animated by spectacular street-style artists and ends with a celebratory party led by hip-hop star Cro at a natural swimming lake. Local singer Jennifer Weist and Olympic athlete Gesa Krause join participants on the race course.

Paris

Style hub Paris has taken WOTN participants on a glamorous training journey since sign-up. Nike offered late-night Nike Training Club classes to Parisian runners in iconic city landmarks — from the panoramic views of the Montparnasse Tower rooftop to the city's most prestigious private fashion addresses. The racecourse embodies the city of chic, with views alternating between the contemporary architecture of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, historic buildings and the borders of the Seine. The city's running and style mavens will join No. 1 distance athlete Laurane Picoche and French actress Sabrina Ouazani on the starting; and an array of light, sound and sensory surprises will be revealed along the route.

Milan

City of design Milan will offer a visual landscape like no other for the series finale on May 31, taking runners from the courtyard of the 14th century Castello Sforzesco, in Parco Sempione to the modern design district of Piazza Gae Aulenti. Italian TV presenters and running lovers Melissa Satta and Fiammetta

Cicogna will join Olympic marathoner Valeria Straneo on the course, bringing both style and inspiration to the starting line. Passing through illuminated tunnels, 3D projections and colliding soundscapes, the run will end with a celebration party featuring Italain soul singer Nina Zilli, and hip-hop artist Shystie at Piazza Cairoli.

The party starts May 18: check this space for post-race updates and details.

For course, event and results information, also visit:

London: Facebook.com/nikerunninguk

Amsterdam: Facebook.com/nikerunningnederland

Berlin: Facebook.com/nikerunning.deutsch

Paris: Facebook.com/nikerunningfrance

MIlan: Facebook.com/nikerunningitalia

8,000 Runners Unleashed in the Lion City at Nike She Runs 5K

Sat, 11 May 2013 10:19:00 -0700

On Saturday, May 11, 8,000 women unleashed their fiercely feminine side as they took part in Nike She Runs 5K at Gardens by the Bay East, connecting them to 85,000 other women across 11 cities through Nike’s global She Runs series. This is the third female-only Nike race in Singapore, providing women with a platform to connect, inspire and motivate each other to push their limits.

The race started on a balmy Saturday evening in downtown Singapore, set against the contrasting backdrop of the lush Gardens by the Bay East, and illuminated by the lights of the Marina Bay financial district. The 5K route took runners down the waterfront promenade, crossing over to the Marina Barrage and past the Flower Dome, the world’s largest column-less greenhouse. Here, the band Stellastory entertained with songs to spur runners on, who then made a U-turn to finish back at Gardens by the Bay East.

“Running is a growing sport among women, and we are proud to deliver a positive sports experience to female runners in Singapore where participation is continuing to gain momentum. The race inspires women to embrace running, and find motivation through Nike+ and social communities,” said Alvin Soo, Marketing Manager, Nike Singapore.

“As part of their race journey, participants were enabled and supported through activities such as themed training clinics, Nike Training Club classes, and running with others through Nike+, Nike’s digital running platform,” continued Soo.

Finishers celebrated in style at the race village, with a unique experience just for her, comprising express manicures, massages, and food and beverage offerings. The celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced with performances by the band 53A, Charmaine Pelaez, and DJ duo TWOFACE. Nike She Runs moments were captured through photo booths set up in the race village, while participants tagged their photos on social media with #RUNFREE, connecting their memories with others.

Participating in her first ever Nike She Runs race, 20-year-old Georgina Poh said, “It was a great experience to run with fellow female runners because the camaraderie between us is more emotional, and the bonds created are much stronger. I love the energy at Nike She Runs, and I really enjoyed being a part of it.”

First to cross the finish line, in the individual above-25 category, was 32-year-old Nike athlete Anne Qihui, with a time of 17:51.

Nike’s global She Runs Series inspires women to embrace running and find motivation through Nike+ and social communities by delivering a positive sports experience, particularly in countries where women’s sports participation is continuing to gain momentum. Now in its fourth year, the She Runs series is taking place in 11 cities and kicked off on March 10 in Mexico City. Other host cities include Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, Caracas, Bogotá and Panamá. The series will wrap up on June 8 with a race in Quito, Ecuador. During the three-month-long series, more than 85,000 women (up from 20,000 in 2009) will participate.

Floral Firsts: Liberty of London on NIKEiD

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:02:00 -0700

Floral prints made famous by the storied British fashion house Liberty of London come to NIKEiD for the first time. Known for their iconic floral patterns, Liberty has contributed its Capel and Pepper fabrics to create a NIKEiD first.

Classic Nike silhouettes such as the Nike Air Max 1, Nike Dunk Hi and Lo, Nike Blazer Mid and Lo, and the cult favorite Nike Roshe Run are all ready to be reupholstered in famous prints.

Two of Liberty’s more popular patterns — the Capel and Pepper prints — are part of the classic Liberty collection and were created in 1978 and 1974, respectively. The Capel features a looser, larger floral while the Pepper fabric contrasts with a tighter multi-colored option. Both fabrics work well with a variety of accent colors, allowing the customizer ample personalization options.

The two Liberty fabrics will be available for customization at NIKEiD.com starting May 6.

6,000 women join Nike’s She Runs movement in Sydney

Sat, 04 May 2013 14:00:00 -0700

Saturday night, May 4, actresses Jodi Anasta and Rhiannon Fish and rising running star Kelly Hetherington joined more than 6000 women in Australia’s most unique and interactive running event, Nike She Runs Sydney 10k.

Now in its second year, the race forms part of the global She Runs running series, connecting almost 85,000 women around the world.

Participants enjoyed rare and exclusive night-time access to Centennial Park and encountered an integration of light, color and sound designed to elevate their race experience.

“We created a race experience that genuinely engaged and inspired our runners," said Juliana Nguyen, Marketing Director for Nike Pacific. “From those who were in it to win it to those there to finish and enjoy, 6,000 owned the night on Saturday, making this our most successful She Runs.”

The striking natural features of the iconic Centennial Park were transformed into a lively, light-drenched playground that challenged female runners to run in a new and exciting way while unleashing their inner animal race persona –- the cheetah, the lioness or the tigress.

Along the 10k circuit runners encountered light shows, music, color-wrapped trees and an 18-meter projection that encouraged competitors to race against their chosen animal persona.

Nike collaborated with Facebook to ensure the Nike She Runs Sydney 10k –- which sold out in record time –- was the most socially-enabled race in Australia. Throughout the course runners received cheers and signs of support from their friends via Facebook, and populated updates via physical activation points.

The party kicked-on at the finish line in the Nike She Runs Village, with massage and rehydration stations, food vans, relaxation zones and live music performances.

Sydney’s Victoria Mitchell won the race with a time of 34:09. She took home two, all-expenses-paid tickets to the San Francisco Nike Women’s Marathon in October.

Nike’s global She Runs series inspires women to embrace running and find motivation through Nike+ and social communities by delivering a positive sports experience, particularly in countries where women’s sports participation is continuing to gain momentum. Now in its fourth year, the She Runs series is taking place in 11 cities and kicked off on March 10 in Mexico City. Other host cities include Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, Caracas, Bogotá and Panamá. The series will wrap up on June 8 with a race in Quito, Ecuador. During the three-month-long series, more than 85,000 women (up from 20,000 in 2009) will participate.

Women take to Montevideo streets as part of Nike’s global She Runs race series

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:07:00 -0700

El Prado Park in Montevideo, Uruguay — the premier green spot in the city — was the ideal setting for the 2,200 young runners who joined the Uruguay chapter of Nike’s She Runs series on Saturday, April 27. The 5k race started at 4:30 pm with runners enjoying face-painting stations and a special VIP area for Nike Run Club participants. For the first time, Nike welcomed runners as young as 15 years old, a sign of how running is becoming more popular in younger communities.

María Laura Bazallo won the race, hitting the finish line in 17 minutes and 42 seconds, while Camila De Mello came in second, with a time of 18 minutes flat. Cecilia Cabrera was just behind, finishing in 18 minutes and 7 seconds.

After the race, the runners enjoyed a special show by acclaimed local DJ Micaela Sapin, hosted by TV personality and actress Manuela da Silveira.

Runners experience Nike Free Run in vibrant heart of Seoul

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:24:00 -0700

To celebrate this season’s launch of Nike Free footwear, Nike Korea asked runners to express the key proposition of Nike Free – flexibility – by posting images of themselves via social media wearing their own Nike Free shoes. Nike then selected 500 lucky runners for the Nike Itaewon Free Run, a 6k race in the Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea.

As Nike Free footwear allows the foot to move and flex in a more natural way, the Nike Itaewon Free Run, held Friday night, April 26, was designed to capture the experience of natural motion and flexibility by enabling runners to race freely through the busy streets of Seoul.

From Itaewon Main Street to Namsan Botanical Gardens and through downtown areas of Seoul, the course provided runners with a first-hand look at Seoul’s most exotic and captivating streets. Itaewon boasts a distinctive cultural diversity, encompassing a mix of everything from local teashops to more opulent restaurants and landmarks.

After Itaewon, the field moved through the serene and calm Namsan Botanical Gardens for a change of pace from the bustling streets of the city center.

For the night-time race, runners were outfitted in Dri-FIT race shirts with fluorescent customization and glow-in-the-dark neon. Green and red LED headbands complemented the vibrant Nike Free colorways.

A Nike+ trial zone was set up to share a connected running experience. Those new to the concept could participate in an introductory session, and free armband rentals and instant online sync-up booths offered further connectivity. Nike Free footwear and the Nike+ GPS Sportwatch trials completed the running experience. Nike+ challenges called out the winners who burned the most calories during the 6K race.

Runners enjoyed the energy at the finish line in the Itaewon Main Street square, as they celebrated with live DJ sets at a post-race party.

Joan Benoit Samuelson, Shalane Flanagan Join Nearly 15,000 for Nike Women Half Marathon D.C.

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:15:00 -0700

Today, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Shalane Flanagan joined nearly 15,000 runners in a memorable 13.1-mile race that started on Pennsylvania Avenue and took runners along the Potomac River with scenic views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol.

Samia Akbar of Alexandria, VA won the inaugural race with a time of 1:19:32. Akbar, 31, originally from the Washington, DC area attended Oakton High School in Vienna. Akbar ran for American University where she was the school’s most decorated runner ever, having been named a 2003 NCAA Outdoor Track All-American. She competed in the USA Half-Marathon Championships and the marathon at the World Outdoors Championship in 2007, and in the marathon for the 2008 Olympic Trials.

“I am incredibly proud to be a part of the first Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C.,” said Benoit Samuelson, who joined runners in a moment of silence prior to the start of the race to honor the victims of the Boston tragedy. “Now more than ever, it’s important that we continue to unite as a running community. We all run for different reasons, but today we are 15,000 strong, running with all our hearts to celebrate women and to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”

The Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C., is part of the Nike Women Marathon series that began nearly 10 years ago to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of Joan Benoit Samuelson’s historic victory in the first women’s marathon in 1984 in Los Angeles. The race is a benefit for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers; the LLS Team in Training program helped more than 2,300 runners prepare for the D.C. race. Together with Nike, the Nike Women Marathon race series has brought together more than 150,000 women to become one of the largest philanthropic race contributors.

“LLS and Nike are partners in the effort to spread the word about fundraising to benefit blood cancer patients, not someday, but today,” states Lisa Stockmon, Chief Marketing Officer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Nike shares our urgency and fully supports our cause to realize a world without blood cancers, and this exciting new half marathon is a perfect way to demonstrate the importance of our race to the ‘finish line’ of cures.”

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding also competed, and shared her training journey with other women who followed Nike’s 12-week, 13.1 Training Plan to get ready for today's event. Goulding partnered with Nike to design a special Nike FlyKnit Lunar 1+, release an exclusive remix album of her second album “Halcyon,” and invite a few of her fellow training partners to a special performance the evening before the race.

“The energy from this weekend at the Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. is incredible,” said Goulding. “It’s an absolute privilege to run together with the thousands of other women who have trained so hard to be here, and it’s been a pleasure to have been a part of their journey.”

Physical and digital perks enhance race

Throughout the race, runners were spurred on by live music, cheering spectators and Nike+. Nike+ Share My Run allowed participants to post their progress via social media by crossing digital hot spots that broadcast their distance points throughout the course.

Every race finisher received a Nike Women Half Marathon necklace created in partnership with Tiffany & Co., and handed to them by members of the Howard University ROTC and by Olympic hurdler and Howard University alumnus David Oliver.

Nike+ also enabled women who weren’t in Washington, D.C., including Olympian gymnast Shawn Johnson and Nike Elite Trainer Jeanette Jenkins, to run 13.1 miles anywhere in the world.

The Nike Women Half Marathon D.C. also offered a variety of activities throughout the weekend celebrating the female athlete, including the Nike Expotique (“Expo” + “Boutique”), which hosted question-and-answer sessions with Benoit Samuelson, Flanagan, David Oliver and elite runner and Georgetown grad Maggie Infeld. The Nike Expotique also hosted a range of female runners’ services, including gait analysis, bra fitting and pant fitting, and featured exclusive products designed around the Half Marathon (also available at Nike Georgetown).

The 10^th anniversary Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco will be held on Oct. 20, 2013; registration will be announced later this spring.

Nike Georgetown Releases We Run DC Footwear Exclusives

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0700

This week, Nike Georgetown releases the We Run DC limited collection, a set of exclusive versions of women’s shoes — the Nike Free 5.0+, the Nike Roshe Run Woven and the Nike Studio Wrap Pack.

The trio of shoes represents the journey and active lifestyle of the women who have trained so hard to prepare for Sunday’s Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. The Nike Free 5.0+ DC serves as the ultimate training tool for running; the Nike Roshe Woven DC celebrates active women's style with a unique new design; and the Nike Studio Wrap Pack provides inspiration for pre- or post-race stretching and yoga.

The collection celebrates the race date on the Nike Free 5.0+ and the Nike Roshe Woven, and includes white satin ribbon laces on the Nike Free 5.0+ and a white satin wrap with the Nike Studio Wrap Pack.

The Roshe Run Woven DC and Studio Wrap Pack are exclusive to Nike Georgetown, and will be available beginning April 25. The Nike Free 5.0+ DC will also be be available at Nike Georgetown, www.nike.com, and other select running specialty retailers beginning April 25.

Nike Free 5.0+

The Nike Free 5.0+ Women’s Running Shoe provides the foot strengthening benefits of natural motion, along with the cushioning, traction and underfoot protection of a traditional shoe. Dynamic Nike Flywire on the Nike Free 5.0+ wraps the midfoot and arch of the foot with a fit that moves naturally with the foot and locks it down but weighs practically nothing. The Nike Free 5.0+’s dynamic Nike Flywire technology pairs up with a textured sandwich mesh inner sleeve and wrapped tongue for a glove-like fit, ultimate feel and stability. More or less, less is more.

Nike Roshe Run and Nike Roshe Run Woven

The Nike Roshe Run epitomizes simplicity. It has no embellishments, just the basic necessities brought to life with every detail for lightweight comfort and the sharp look of a classic running shoe. Inspired by the practice of meditation and the concept of Zen, a modified Waffle outsole is made to look like stepping stones, the insole mirrors a raked rock garden, and slightly different midsole side lengths juxtapose seriousness and playfulness. A uniquely constructed upper and plush feel define the Nike Roshe Run Woven, which features a toe cap and heel support for style and support. The sockliner includes Nike’s Solarsoft technology for comfort and cushioning while the outsole provides traction and protection.

Nike Studio Wrap Pack

A better-than-barefoot experience in a three-part footwear system (wrap, ribbon and flat), the Nike Studio Wrap Pack was designed to give women an elevated workout in the studio that takes them back to their daily lives in style. The innovative Nike Studio Wrap Pack helps you make the most of workouts typically done in bare feet, such as yoga, dance and barre. There are no sweaty or slippery feet, no bunched up socks or toes overdue for a pedicure exposed.

Nike Free and Diver Paola Espinosa Redefine Flexibility

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:40:00 -0700

Elite diver Paola Espinosa was the first to test the flexibility of her footprint at the Nike Free Store, an original concept presented at the International Contemporary Art Fair in Mexico (MACO), designed to demonstrate the flexibility and natural motion of Nike Free footwear. Nike and architect Fernando Ortiz Monasterio, director of the Vertical Green architecture studio, created the Nike Free Store — an interactive, sculptural space — to celebrate the launch of three new Nike Free shoes in Mexico this week: Nike Free 5.0+, Nike Free 4.0 and Nike Free 3.0.

Espinosa participated in a special demonstration of Nike’s new product presentation concept last week. The interactive architectural sculpture weighs 13.2 tons and is 26 feet tall. Close to 180 Kinect controlling Servo motors challenge consumers to move the sculpture and to move along with it.

Nike Free footwear allows the foot to move and flex in a more natural way. When feet can bend, stretch and move with natural motion, the “technology” we were born with works as it was intended. This idea led to the creation of Nike Free footwear almost 10 years ago, and continues to inform enhancements in the design.

The Nike Free concept has undergone years of study, testing and design, resulting in footwear that delivers the benefits of natural motion while protecting the foot. The new Nike Free shoes retain the flexibility of the Nike Free articulated outsole, and introduce three original upper designs for enhanced natural motion:

Nike Free 5.0+: Dynamic Nike Flywire technology provides secure support
without added weight.
Nike Free 4.0: Utilizes no-sew overlays and a tongue-wrap fit for stitch-free comfort.
Nike Free 3.0: Nike engineered mesh improves fit and breathability with looser patterns where ventilation and stretching are required, and tighter patterns where support is key.

Learn more about Nike Free and the Nike Free Store.

Australian runners welcome the new Nike FREE 5.0

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:05:00 -0700

This week in Sydney and Melbourne, Nike Australia played host to two epic Run Clubs with some unusual twists.

As part of the #RUNFREE Pacific launch of the new Nike Free footwear that kicked off in New Zealand last week, runners were surprised, delighted and entertained, as they ran through iconic landmarks in the cities.

The surprise elements along the course amplified the different ways to move "free" and motivated the runners to keep pushing right up to the finish line.

The unexpected activations along the 7k course included AcroYoga and Parkour performances, juggling, break dancing, coloured inflatables and an enthusiastic cheer squad.

Key media participated in an product immersion session about the new Nike Free collection in Sydney before being fitted in the Nike Free 5.0 and joining the run.

Runners were encouraged to share their #RUNFREE experience through social channels.

Follow the journey via www.facebook.com/nikerunningau

Nike and Platinum-Selling Artist Ellie Goulding Inspire and Motivate Runners

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:10:00 -0700

Nike and recording artist Ellie Goulding are releasing an exclusive remix album from Goulding’s second album, “Halcyon,” to inspire the thousands of women joining Ellie to run 13.1 miles on April 28. Goulding will take to the streets of the nation’s capital in the inaugural Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. and is excited to share something that blends her passion for music and running. Fellow runners will be able to download the album beginning April 15 to boost motivation during their final preparations for the run. A limited number of downloads and streaming option are available.

"As I head from a busy tour schedule to promote my album into the final two weeks of my training to run the Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. on April 28, it’s clear how important both music and running are in my life," said Goulding. "So it's a pleasure to be able to share this exclusive new "Halcyon" album of remixes with my fans and fellow running friends with the hope that the music inspires you, and motivates you to keep going strong as you put the finishing touches on your race day training.”

Goulding also partnered with Nike to create a unique shoe design that melds Ellie’s love of running with her life as a recording artist. Featuring a few of her favorite colors, the black and white Nike FlyKnit upper is accentuated with subtle pops of fuchsia in the flecks of the Lunarlon outsole with a lighter shade of pink highlighted on the heel tab, which also features the name of Goulding's second platinum-selling album “Halcyon.” More pink is used on the tips of the laces and on the sock liner bearing Goulding's “EG” logo.

"It was incredible to have the chance to collaborate with the Nike Design team on this special edition of the Nike FlyKnit Lunar1+ that I'll get to train in and share with a few of my friends," said Goulding. "I especially love the homage paid to my second album, 'Halycon.' Besides training for the Nike Women Half Marathon, 'Halcyon' is the other journey I've been on this year, and the shoe combines the two journeys beautifully."

Women training to run 13.1 miles on April 28 — either as part of the 15,000 women in Washington, D.C. or those who will run from wherever they are that day via Nike+ -- can join others in the social conversation with the hashtag #letsturnitup.

Nike Stadium Milano Presents: The Art + Science of Natural Motion

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:00:00 -0700

Nike Stadium Milano plays host to an exhibition that celebrates the essence of the body in motion with The Art + Science of Super Natural Motion.

With the core principles of Fit and Flex as inspiration, Nike and cutting-edge digital artists Universal Everything (Fit), Daniel Widrig (Flex) and Quayola+Sinigaglia (Flex), have come together to create an interpretation of the body in motion, weaving the threads of nature, technology, design, art and sport to reflect the wonder of Nike Free and Nike Flyknit Innovations.

Universal Everything’s The Art and Science of Fit explores movement with a 3D interactive experience that allows the viewer to manipulate intricate strands of color with the sweep of an arm. The flowing threads of the digitized cube structure behave with a sense of freedom when a human body interacts with the large screens on the surface of its four sides. As if seeking out human presence, intricate multicolored woven patterns dance across the screens intelligently conforming and fitting the silhouette of the visitor. Creating a spectacle that feels like art powered by human potential, U.K.-based Universal Everything offers visual atmospheres that inspire movement through generative design.

The Art and Science of Flex, by Daniel Widrig captures the essence of motion and crosses the realm of the digital world to land in the reality of a material sculpture. Animation software allows the artist to create multiple snapshots of an abstract geometric figure moving in a 3D space. While the figure accelerates, it gradually reconfigures and expands. After a phase of deceleration, it ultimately halts. From design to the physical form, the snapshot materializes into a four-meter-long intricate sculpture that reinterprets movement and flexibility in unexpected ways.

To complement Daniel Widrig’s work, long-time collaborators Davide Quayola and Natan Sinigaglia present Flexure, an abstract, time-based digital sculpture that is an ever-evolving transformation of a rectangular monolith. Focusing on the physical properties of elasticity and flexibility, Flexure is a practice of audio-visual performance, drawing, photography and software programming that stimulates through both sight and sound. Italian visual artist Quayola explores the boundary between the real and artificial. Sinigaglia, a sound and visual artist based in Varese, explores the infinite interconnections between sound and image. Creating canvases where both languages lose their boundaries and share forms and meanings, Quayola and Sinigaglia present a dynamic display of movement in the visual form.

The Art and Science of Super Natural Motion is an evolving exhibition that will travel to Tokyo, New York, and London until October 2013.

Runners in New Zealand #RUNFREE

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:14:00 -0700

On April 12, Nike NZ hosted an out-of-the-ordinary Run Club to launch Nike’s "Free Your Run" campaign, unlocking runners’ imaginations and inspiring them to break out of their routine and #RUNFREE.

The urban run through Auckland challenged runners to shrug off the norm and try a new route, at a new time, with a new crew. During the 7k course, runners experienced a series of unexpected activations, including a glow-in-the-dark basketball game with Nike athletes, hip-hop dance crews, and the experience of running alongside a pack of hounds.

Kaleidoscopic projections around the route reinforced the Nike Free message and runners were invited to capture their emotions in a Free Your Run photobooth at the finish line.

After attending a Nike Free 5.0 workshop and fitting, some of New Zealand's top running media were put through their paces on the run. Taking the new Nike Free 5.0 to the streets allowed them to experience this innovative shoe in the real world.

The Auckland run will be followed by runs in Melbourne and Sydney. Consumers will be encouraged to share photos on Facebook of how they #RUNFREE and Nike will elevate some standout submissions.

Follow the journey at www.facebook.com/nikerunningnz

Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher compete in custom Nike race wear in Boston

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:24:00 -0700

On April 15, Nike athletes Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher will make their mark in Boston wearing marathon uniforms precisely tailored to their running styles and personalities. Nike Running created customized uniforms with details just for Flanagan and Goucher to help propel them to victory.

The modern race wear represents a high-water mark in how Nike designers build apparel for top runners competing in major events. All garments and accessories composing the uniforms were custom colored specifically for the Boston race and include arm and calf sleeves not typically worn in marathon competition. Unpredictable New England weather that can range from 40º to 80º in spring was a major consideration in creating the uniforms, which include the following options:

Lightweight thermal sleeves and gloves that can be peeled off as the temperature increases during the race
Hats to shield eyes from rain
Sunglasses engineered for comfort

The uniforms derive inspiration from American symbols such as the national flag and soaring eagle, tying to Patriots’ Day, the holiday commemorating the fist battles of the American Revolutionary War. (The Boston race is always held on the holiday.) The red, white and blue of the American flag is amplified to vibrant Total Crimson and Violet Force shades on the ensembles for an energized, superhuman effect.

“ I feel like I want to race right now!” Goucher exclaimed when she first tried on the uniform, attesting to its psychological lift.

Massachusetts native Flanagan will run in front of a hometown crowd and honor her recently deceased aunt with a monogram near her heart. A braided graphic on the sleeves and socks speak to her Celtic background. Flanagan’s pre-race mantra “Dare to be Different” appears inside the short’s waistband.

Goucher says being in a great running groove feels like flying so designers created a winged star graphic to appear on her sleeves and socks. The three stars represent herself, athlete-husband Adam Goucher and their son Colt. Inside the short’s waistband is the message “Courage to Believe.” Both Flanagan and Goucher’s kits showcase an eagle-feather pattern to help them fly through the course.

A special version of the Nike LunarGlide+ 4 in Total Crimson / Violet Force will be available at select Boston-area retailers.