Nike+ Supersonic

Objective
Following on from the success of Nike RunLondon – the pioneering mass participation running campaign which culminated in an annual 10k run delivered by Limelight Sports; Nike contracted Limelight Sports to manage the Nike+ Supersonic in 2007. The objective for the campaign was to harness the power of music to engage with and encourage running by 16-20yr old Londoners.

Approach
The O2, Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and Finsbury Park were selected to host speed trials. At these trials, participants took part in a 100m sprint against the clock, generating a leader board of the top 500 males and top 500 females who then qualified through to the final. Each event featured the Nike+ van for registrations, Nike+ products and promotions, electronic chip timing and live DJs.

The fastest runners were invited to compete in the final - a 1000m course within Battersea Park - before an exclusive live concert featuring The Enemy and Dizzee Rascal. The ultimate prize for the overall winner and two of their friends was a unique opportunity to attend any sporting event of their choice anywhere in the world with all expenses paid. Additionally, they received VIP treatment at the concert, watching from stage position and had the opportunity to meet the artists.

Limelight Sports was responsible for project managing the speed trials and the finals event in Battersea; this included race management, branding and signage, sourcing venues, recruiting staff, health and safety and managing production and logistical arrangements including procurement of infrastructure.

Outcome
More than 2000 participants from across London took part in the speed trial events with 3000 runners and guests attending the finals at Battersea Park. The final featured music sets from The Enemy and Dizzee Rascal and was attended by Olympic Gold Medallist Mark Lewis Francis. Footage from the trials and the Nike+ Supersonic finals was used to create a one-off 30 minute television programme which was aired several times on Channel Four.

 
Limelight Sports successfully delivered the high profile, mass participation running and music event and continue to deliver Nike’s mass participation running events which in 2008 included the Nike+ Human Race held at Wembley Stadium.