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Nike's "Breaking2"

Targeting - Running enthusiasts and athletes

Core Theme of the Campaign -

Inspires viewers with the ambition to achieve the seemingly impossible.

About the
Campaign
-

Nike's attempt to break the 2-hour marathon barrier.

Formula applied by the Campaign to elicit customer action -

Showcases the pursuit of human potential and achievement.

Business Title

A Look at
the Campaign

Nike's "Breaking2" was a groundbreaking and ambitious marketing and athletic endeavor aimed at achieving a remarkable feat in long-distance running: breaking the two-hour barrier in the marathon. Here's an explanation of the "Breaking2" project:

1. Objective: The primary goal of Nike's "Breaking2" project was to demonstrate the performance capabilities of Nike's running shoes and apparel by attempting to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, a distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). This barrier was considered a significant milestone in the sport of running.

2. The Two-Hour Barrier: The two-hour marathon barrier had been an elusive target in the world of distance running. At the time, the world record for the marathon was around 2 hours and 2 minutes. Achieving a sub-two-hour marathon was seen as a monumental achievement, requiring a combination of advanced training, optimal racing conditions, and the best possible equipment.

3. Scientific Approach: Nike approached the "Breaking2" project with a scientific and research-focused mindset. They conducted extensive biomechanical and physiological research on elite marathon runners, optimizing every aspect of the athletes' preparation, from training regimens to nutrition and race tactics.

4. Shoe Technology: A significant part of the "Breaking2" project was the development of a specialized running shoe, the Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite. This shoe incorporated cutting-edge technology, including a unique midsole foam, carbon fiber plate, and lightweight design, all aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and running performance.

5. Athletes: Nike selected three world-class marathon runners, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea, to attempt the sub-two-hour marathon. Eliud Kipchoge, in particular, became the focus of the project and was often referred to as the world's greatest marathoner.

6. Monza, Italy: The "Breaking2" attempt took place on the Formula 1 racetrack in Monza, Italy, where ideal weather conditions and a flat, looped course were chosen to maximize the chances of success.

7. Live Broadcast: Nike turned the record-breaking attempt into a highly publicized event. The race was live-streamed, and Nike invited a select group of media, scientists, and influencers to witness the attempt in person. This added to the spectacle and generated significant media coverage.

8. Eliud Kipchoge's Success: On May 6, 2017, Eliud Kipchoge came remarkably close to breaking the two-hour barrier, finishing the marathon in 2 hours and 25 seconds. While this time did not count as an official world record due to some special conditions of the race, it was a historic moment in the world of distance running.

9. Marketing Impact: The "Breaking2" project showcased Nike's commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports performance and innovation. It generated immense media attention and reinforced Nike's position as a leader in sports technology and equipment.

In summary, Nike's "Breaking2" project was a high-profile, technologically advanced marketing and athletic endeavor that aimed to push the limits of human endurance in the marathon while showcasing Nike's commitment to innovation in sports performance. While the sub-two-hour marathon barrier wasn't officially broken, the project had a significant impact on the running community and solidified Nike's reputation as a pioneer in sports technology.

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BRAND
COLOSSAL

An exhaustive analysis we have garnered elucidating the following 3 studies -

A. The comprehensive breakdown & precise elements that led to the campaign’s success

B. Intricate details behind the campaign to ensure you don't miss any valuable insights we've uncovered

C. Components required to execute a similar campaign or a campaign of equivalent magnitude at your scale
 
This shall be alongside an extensive compendium of these insights for more than 1600 additional successful campaigns. 
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