Daniel Neville

Nike Run FWD – Passing It On, Japanese Style

by Daniel Neville

2011/02/06

This week we’ve got a very different type of viral campaign on our hands – yes, it involves video but the viral nature extends far beyond the digital realm. The Nike Run FWD campaign is basically a marathon based on social networking dynamics. The propensity we have for passing things on -  the viral side of it - takes inspiration from "Ekiden", a Japanese sport involving long distance relay runners who pass on a sash called a "tasuki" instead of a baton.

However Nike’s version is a little more epic because it spans right across the world - now that’s long distance! Here’s how it works: Participants must run at least 3km while using the Nike+ technology before "passing the tasuki on" by nominating the next runner in their team via an email invitation (when last did you see a viral email campaign this cool?). The email that each nominated runner receives is a customised movie showing who has run in the team so far and asks if the recipient is willing to take up the challenge. (In case you were wondering, the customised movie is only possible because of the GPS technology built into Nike+). If they fail to run at least 3km in the following 72 hours, the team is disqualified. Teams have two months to race and contest for the title of the winners of the World’s Longest Relay Race, by trying to cover the greatest distance with the most runners. Check out the clip below for more:
 

 
In my mind this is truly awesome campaign! Nike has been actively involved in running for a long time and this is a great way to not only encourage more runners to install or purchase Nike+, but provides a platform for people with a similar interest to connect globally. The race kicked off earlier this month and will continue until Monday February 28. May the best team win! 
 
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Comments

Geez absolutely brilliant! Would like to see the total sales of the Nike+ at the end of this campaign to monitor it's success.

Thanx for sharing!

Posted by Wiehan Britz on 2011/02/07

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