Nike Creates ‘Men vs. Women’ Virtual Running Race to Declare Winner in Age-Old Rivalry

HILVERSUM, Netherlands - 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

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 Men vs. Women campaign was created by 72andSunny. The TV ad was
directed by Tim Godsall and 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 digital
experience for the campaign.

ABOUT NIKE, INC. (NYSE: NKE)

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer,
marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment
and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly
owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and
distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which
designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and
coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer)
brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes
action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

Source: NIKE, Inc.

Nate Tobecksen of Nike Europe, Middle East and Africa, +31356269612, Nate.Tobecksen at nike.com