Nike announced the 2nd annual Nike Women's Marathon is sold out with 15,000 women across the globe registered for the event in San Francisco.
With an additional sixty percent of accepted race registrants (8,000 more runners), the 2005 Nike Women's Marathon sold out approximately seven weeks earlier and attracted over 15,000 participants from 17 different countries and 50 different states.
“The Nike Women's Marathon is truly a unique event that brings women of all ages together to participate in a race designed just for them,” said Brian O'Connor, Nike Brand Manager for Running. “The fact that the race sold out in record time with 99 percent of the participants being women underscores that women are looking for a race designed for them. Tiffany necklaces, the chocolate mile and a runners' “coat check” are just a few of the unique elements of the Nike Women's Marathon that contribute to the popularity of this race. We are excited to see the streets of San Francisco filled with women accomplishing not only the 26.2 miles of the marathon, but raising millions of dollars for LLS, which is an incredible feat.”
Nike is unveiling a new race course for the Nike Women's Marathon this year, making it a flatter and faster 26.2 mile tour of San Francisco. The race will start in Union Square and run along the San Francisco Bay with scenic views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, ushering runners down the Great Highway as they cross the finish line. Along the course, runners will be offered support to keep them motivated, including a coat check to stash unwanted clothes, the Chocolate Mile — a mile of chocolate goodies from Ghirardelli — and a pedi-care station. All race finishers will receive an official 2005 Finisher Necklace designed by Tiffany & Co.® and a Nike Dri-FIT performance top.
Race participants can train for the marathon through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training®, the world's largest sports endurance training program, or local participants can join Nike Club Run SF, Nike's free innovative and comprehensive training series.
The Nike Women's Marathon was inspired by the 20th anniversary of Joan Benoit Samuelson's historic gold medal win in the first all-women's marathon at the 1984 Olympics. Joan ran the Nike Half-Marathon in October 2004. The Nike Women's Marathon continues this inspiration encouraging all women to participate in this premier race.
“It is great to see so many women running and celebrating the uniqueness of the Nike Women's Marathon,” said Benoit Samuelson. The strength, determination and commitment these women demonstrate is motivational and inspirational to anyone who wants to accomplish a goal of completing a marathon.”
The Nike Women's Marathon will be an all-weekend celebration. Activities will include a race expo at Union Square featuring health and fitness consultations and demonstrations, as well as complimentary spa services. After the race, finishers will be able to enjoy a post-race concert.
