NIKE CREATES “MEN VS WOMEN” VIRTUAL RUNNNING RACE TO DECLARE WINNER IN AGE-OLD RIVARLY

Roger Federer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker, Paula Radcliffe, Sofia Boutella and Fernando Torres appear in television ad to celebrate the challenge

HILVERSUM, the Netherlands (March 13, 2009) – Starting on March 13 and ending April 20, the world’s largest running club, www.nikeplus.com, will tally the kilometers of men and women who join an official Men vs. Women online running challenge using the Nike+ system. Launched in 2006, Nike+ allows Nike+ running shoes to transmit data wirelessly to an iPod nano, an iPod touch or Nike+ SportBand. Information on time, distance, pace and calories burned during a run is stored easily on www.nikeplus.com. Runners can stay motivated by setting goals, challenging others to virtual races or to reach specific goals, connecting with friends, and using the Nike+ Coach features on www.nikeplus.com. As of December, 2008, over 160 million kilometers had been logged on nikeplus.com; over 900,000 challenges and 1.7 million goals had been created; and more than 140,000 training programs had been launched by runners in 180 countries around the world. Men vs. Women is currently the most popular challenge on nikeplus.com. The Men vs. Women campaign features a television ad that includes cameos by Roger Federer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker, Paula Radcliffe, Sofia Boutella and Fernando Torres. Each celebrity had their own point of view on the Men vs. Women rivalry. “Women are generally better organized and more consistent,” said marathon world record holder, Paula Radcliffe. “You might see the guys start off a bit faster and probably running at a quicker pace, but they’re fair weather runners. If the rain or snow comes in, the guys are going to bottle out!” Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic countered with, “Men are better competitors. We’re more powerful and, mentally, we’re tougher…” The champion will be determined by winning two of the three categories: total kilometers, average kilometers per runner and the most kilometers run by an individual in a 24-hour period. Throughout the competition, participants will be encouraged to create individual consequences and rewards against their friends and partners, based on the overall gender winner. “The inspiration for the campaign actually came directly from a consumer who posted the Men vs. Women challenge nearly two years ago,” said Enrico Balleri, Director of Brand Connections, Nike EMEA. “In 2008, it was one of the most popular challenges on nikeplus.com, with runners contributing nearly 2.5 million kilometers. Nike+ has always been about communicating directly with runners, we are excited that the Men vs. Women concept is born from the nikeplus.com community.” The television ad was created by Los Angeles-based 72andSunny and directed by Tim Godsall. The music track is Gnarls Barkley’s “Run (I am a Natural Disaster).” The ad will appear in 30”, 60” and 90” (web) versions. 72andSunny is also responsible for other creative elements such as print, out-of-home, online films and retail. London-based AKQA created the complete digital experience for the campaign.