Nike takes a stab at breaking the 2 hour marathon

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Apr 28, 2017

Sandy Bodecker, VP of Special Projects, explains why Nike's Breaking2 project could revolutionize running and modern sport.

Breaking2 refers to breaking the 2 hour barrier for running a marathon. Currently the world record for running 26.2 miles is 2:02:57.

“The sub-two-hour marathon barrier is one of those rare ones that, if broken, can transform a sport,” says Bodecker.

As Nike sits high on top of the athleisure movement, it is important to remember the brand is rooted in sport and hard core athleticism, specifically in running. Nike got its start out of the back of a van, selling track shoes to runners trying to improve their times. Helping athletes break such a significant record is a perfectly brand right milestone Nike should lead.

Bodecker continued to explain the history of breaking running records, referring to when the 4 minute mile was met in 1954, as well as the 10-second barrier crush in 1968.

Bodecker explained, “The sub-two-hour marathon is the last big, once-in-a-generation barrier. It will impact the way runners view distance running and human potential forever.” 

FashionNetwork.com reported earlier this week that London marathoner Bekele was not wearing the Nike Breaking2 shoes when he got blisters while racing. Bodecker further explained how it will ultimately come down to an issue of the athlete's confidence in their being able to shatter this record.

Nike has enlisted elite runners Eliud Kipchoge, Lelisa Desisa and Zersenay Tadese for its team for Breaking2.

In addition to the Breaking2 kit, Nike used the technology and product innovations associated with Breaking2 to make other more mass market products, including the Zoom Vaporfly 4% shoe which was worn by both male and female winners in the Boston Marathon.

“The most exciting aspect of these shoes is that they provide a measurable performance benefit for the elite runner," said Bodecker.

The Nike Breaking2 marathon event is scheduled to happen in early May in Monza, Italy. Monza was selected for the favorable conditions of the track as well as for consistent and ideal weather conditions for running to break the 2 hour mark.