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Nike Is Making Plans to Break a Major Running World Record

The brand is setting out to make history in the running world — here's how.
Nike Announces Breaking2 Marathon Plan
Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea.
Courtesy of Nike.

Nike is out to make history in the running world. The Oregon-based athletic giant announced an ambitious plan to break the two-hour marathon, titled Breaking2.

The brand has been researching and testing with three top long-distance runners: Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, of Kenya and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea. Nike has been “working with a diverse team of leaders across several fields of science and sport with a holistic approach to athletes, product, training, nutrition and environment,” according to a brand statement.

Nike Announces Breaking2 Marathon Plan
Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge celebrates wins the men’s marathon at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.REX Shutterstock.

 

Nike started working on a “specific marathon footwear solution” in 2013. In fact, the aggressive plan involves an attempt to break the record in 2017. The location and timing of this attempt has yet to be announced.

Nike Unlimited You
A still image from Nike’s “Unlimited You” film.Courtesy of Nike

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To achieve this record, the athletes would need to run at a pace of 4:34 per mile to complete 26.2 miles at 1:59:59 or faster.

Soho NYC Nike+ Running Trial Zone
Nike+ Running Trial Zone.Courtesy of Nike.

In 2014, Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto set the current record of 2:02:57 at the Berlin Marathon.

Stay tuned for further coverage. More details of the plan will be released later today.

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Nike Announces Agressive Plan to Break Two-Hour Marathon
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