22 Million Miles and Counting, Nikeplus Becomes The World's Largest Online Running Destination

Summary: Nike's online strategy seems to pay off. Its Nikeplus website allows runners to lof their miles, to interact and even to compete. This site complements Nike's entry into music edition, embodied by its alliance with Apple's iPod.

Source: Nike press release

First paragraphs:

Nike's innovative Nike+ running experience combining music, personal coaching and fitness networking is revolutionizing the way people run, creating in its first year, the world's largest online running destination at nikeplus.com. Nike+ runners have logged over 22 million miles on nikeplus.com, the equivalent of completing more than 800,000 New York City marathons and burning off the calories of more than 5 million slices of pizza. New nikeplus.com features being introduced this summer will enhance the experience even more, offering runners new ways to challenge each other and participate in "virtual" marathons.

"Nike+ is changing the running experience. It's a great motivational tool to get people out for a run. It's attracting and connecting thousands of new runners each day, with members from more than 160 countries," said Trevor Edwards, Nike's Vice President of Global Brand and Category Management. "It started as a simple idea and has quickly become the world's largest networking place for runners. Whether their goal is fitness, fun or a cause, runners of all levels are embracing Nike+ and nikeplus.com to become part of a global running community."

New functionality on nikeplus.com, available this summer, will include a challenge feature that provides users with more options and enhanced customization tools. Users can choose their own challenge theme, set their own rules, and select the number of participants and team names. Now, they will be able to upload their own pictures to highlight their challenges on the nikeplus.com homepage.

The Nike+ community is fueled through Nike Sport Music. Nike+ is inspiring runners by creating a growing collection of original ultimate running soundtracks. This new music content category is delivering unique mixes and expert coaching from the world's best artists and athletes. Collaborations include original work from artists like The Crystal Method, OK Go and Aesop Rock. Nike Sport Music offerings are sold via the iTunes Store in 22 countries. As Nike+ usage continues to grow globally, more Nike Sport Music products are planned to keep the community running to new and inspirational beats.

"Running with music is more fun and helps motivate me to get off my butt, get out of bed and hit the road," said Nike+ user Stephanie Lacombe, who is currently featured on nikeplus.com. "I run with my friends, map my own runs, send out challenges, and I check out my latest stats on nikeplus.com. It's also exciting to be in so much better shape than when I started."

Read the full article at PR Newswire