Posted: January 13, 2005

Athletics: Canadian Olympians Simon Whitfield and Jill Savege Open Vancouver's First Ever Nike Runner's Lounge

TORONTO, Jan. 13 - Today, Gold Medallist Simon Whitfield was on hand to launch Canada's first ever Nike Runner's Lounge. Runners who are passionate about their sport will have access to the ultimate training destination located along the Vancouver Seawall, Vancouver's most popular running route.

The Lounge provides Vancouverites everything they need free of charge to help them with their training or next race, like the 'First Half', Half Marathon. Features include:

    (*) Post-run massages                      (*) Stretching area
    (*) Local running routes                   (*) Weekend waffle runs
    (*) Footwear trial with Nike Test Drive    (*) Bag check / drop-off
    (*) Nike guest speakers                    (*) Nike running incentives

The Lounge is located at the Plaza of Nations (770 Pacific Boulevard) and is open to the public. The Lounge will be open Wednesday to Sunday from January 12, 2005 to February 11, 2005. Visit www.nikerunning.ca for more information on the lounge and running.

"It's great to be involved with the launch of Canada's first Nike Runner's Lounge in Vancouver," says Simon Whitfield. "The Lounge offers runner's everything they need to make the most of their training, from post- run massage to shoe trials and it really allows runner's to focus solely on their run because Nike takes care of the rest."

Nike will have a presence at the 17th annual 'First Half' Half Marathon, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. on February 13, 2005 at The Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver, BC. Registered runners are encouraged to train at the Runner's Lounge as they prepare for the event.

"Nike Canada is proud to partner with the Boys' and Girls' Club of Greater Vancouver to donate $5000 and 200 pairs of running shoes," says Derek Kent, Head of Corporate Communications, Nike Canada. "The Boys' and Girls' Club does so much for the city providing a wide range of social, health, educational and recreational services to assist young people in their growth and development."

NIKE, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer and marketer of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of hockey equipment; Cole Haan(R), which markets a line of high- quality men's and women's footwear, accessories and outerwear, and Hurley International LLC, which markets action sports and teen lifestyle apparel. Nike Canada Ltd. was established in 1984 and is based in Thornhill, Ont. Further information can be obtained at www.nikebiz.com.