This 10k
won’t run itself.

NIKE >

Four events with one goal

The Longhorn Run is a 5k and 10k student led race and one of the biggest spring traditions on the University of Texas campus.

And Nike asked us to help create the ultimate training program, for any level runner, that was approachable, inspiring and inclusive.

We all know running can be a daunting task, but with the right training program, we felt there was nothing to be afraid of.

The
Fun Run

We knew getting university kids excited about anything beyond free pizza would be a tall order, so getting them to train for the upcoming Longhorn Run would have to be anything but typical.

Enter the first event along the training program: The Fun Run.

It was a winding adventure through the University of Texas campus. Hitting all the highlights like Speedway and the Bell Tower. We even added newly minted iconic moments like the foam tunnel and steeple jumps.

There was plenty of Nike swag, like new running shoes, fresh laces and strength building sessions led by our emcee.

All of which led to students wondering, “who knew running could be this fun?”

Track Tuesday

Mike Myers Stadium, usually the hallowed ground of student-athletes, was flung wide open to the entire student body for an event unlike any other – Track Tuesday.

It was a night when the world of interval training underwent a transformation, becoming approachable and perhaps even enjoyable.

Instead of the notorious and intimidating intervals, we turned them into a game, a race against time.

We made light towers that loomed like ticking time bombs, their pulsating countdowns urging runners to outpace the clock before the tower expired.

What transpired was nothing short of a running revolution, where students from all walks of life took over the track, sprinting and laughing. Something that’s never happened during interval training. 

Track Tuesday had turned the exclusive into the inclusive, making the most intimidating of workouts an exciting adventure.

Power Poses

This was the third installment in our grand plan of physical enlightenment prepping runners for The Longhorn Run.

I've always believed that taking care of your body behind the scenes is the unsung hero of running gains. It helps build and maintain the crucial core muscles that make every run a little smoother, every stride a bit more effortless.

And the beauty of our Power Poses event was that it not only helped build those essential core muscles but also offered our runners a golden ticket to the starting line of The Longhorn Run in one piece.

This event was no mere boot camp; it was a holistic experience.

The participants gathered for a group yoga session, seeking that inner serenity amid the chaos of college life.

And we embraced the soothing, and sometimes painful side of foam rolling, understanding that the path to the ultimate run was a journey built by flexibility and resilience.

Speed Sessions

Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the grand finale of our Longhorn Run preparation – Speed Sessions. And congratulations if you and your eyes have made it this far.

Now, you might think that after three intense events, we'd be content with our newfound speed. But, no, we couldn't resist one last hurrah to get everyone ready for The Longhorn Run.

So it was time for one last shakeout. A group speed run around the state capitol building.

Our runners headed out on a quick shakeout run and our friend, the one and only @TheOrangeRunner, got to work by speed sketching each runner that attended. His nimble fingers commemorated their running journey on canvas, giving them something to be proud of.

And when they returned: Nike lattes. Yes, you read that right. As if we needed more speed, we sipped on those lattes that promised an extra jolt of swiftness.

Done & Dusted

In an instant, we transformed our runners into living, breathing Nike-branded embodiments of confidence and sportsmanship.

These snapshots weren't just about capturing a moment; they were about capturing the spirit of running, a reminder that each step taken was a step closer to self-discovery and the love for the sport.

It was the perfect punctuation mark to our journey, leaving us with tangible memories of our shared passion and determination that matched the latest Nike running campaign.

A B O U T   >

Burke Lauderdale is a freelance Creative Director, Art Director who believes that without grit there are no pearls.

He hangs his hat in Austin, Texas and works anywhere planes fly.

C O N T A C T   >

Always available via
burkelauderdale@gmail.com

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