Posted: April 7, 2005

Athletics: More Than 10,000 Torontonians Will Run This Town

Nike Aims To Build Largest Nike Grind Sports Complex in the World In Toronto

Nike Athletes Damon Allen and Perdita Felicien are the first to donate their shoes to the Reuse-A-Shoe Program at the Nike RUNTO10k launch. The goal of the drive is to collect 50,000 running shoes used for the development of a state-of-the-art Sports Complex. Photo credit - CNW Group

TORONTO, April 6 /CNW/ - At a media conference today, Nike Canada announced that RUNTO is back and bigger than ever. RUNTO, which is expected to be Ontario's largest attended single distance run of the year, will tap into the friendly rivalries that already exist in the close to 140 neighbourhoods in the GTA to engage people to run, hang with their friends and spend time outside. On May 29th, celebrate the sport of running and Torontonians' community pride with Nike RUNTO10k on Centre Island.

Reuse-A-Shoe

Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe Program, which was established in the US over a decade ago and is expanding around the world, is now coming to Toronto for the first time. Nike Canada, in partnership with the City of Toronto, and on behalf of all RUN TO participants, aims to build a $500,000, state-of-the-art soccer, basketball and track complex made out of recycled shoe material (Nike Grind). But in order to do so, Nike is asking Torontonians to donate their previously worn shoes -- any brand will do -- so they can build the largest Nike Grind facility in the world, right here in our own backyard.

"A healthy city and healthy residents go hand-in-hand," said Mayor David Miller. "The City of Toronto, through its Parks and Recreation Division, is proud to be working in partnership with Nike Canada and the community on this initiative, which will increase recreational opportunities for residents."

At today's kick off event, Canadian Olympian Perdita Felicien made the first Reuse-A-Shoe donation with a pair of shoes she wore while training.

"Kids win because many of these sports surfaces are donated in communities where they wouldn't otherwise have access to high performance sports surfaces," explains Nike Athlete Perdita Felicien. "It's also a win for the environment, as thousands of pairs of athletic shoes will be diverted from global landfills."

On hand to donate their tired athletic shoes were several Toronto-based personalities and celebrities including: Damon Allen, Professional Quarterback; DJ Starting From Scratch, musician; Jully Black, musician/actor; and Jack Armstrong, Voice of the Raptors. Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Cheryl Ladd, Silken Laumann, Keshia Chante, Leah Miller and Julian Lennon also donated their previously used sneakers to this worthwhile cause but were unable to attend the conference.

"With help from Torontonians, our goal is to have 50,000 pairs of athletic shoes -- the approximate equivalent to the amount it will take to build a state-of-the-art sports complex in the GTA. So come 'on Toronto, clean out that closet, bring in those smelly sneakers, and make a difference in your community," said Derek Kent, Head of Corporate Communications, Nike Canada. "Alongside the donated shoes, Nike is contributing nearly $500,000 on behalf of the RUNTO participants to develop this sporting complex."

Non-metal containing athletic shoes will be collected at select retail locations throughout the city; materials from them will be used to create a new place for kids to be active.

Running Rivals

This year, six Torontonians were selected among nearly 300 applicants for the job of "Nike Running Rival". Representing their communities, Running Rivals inspire the people in their neighbourhoods to participate in RUNTO and in the training runs leading up to RUNTO. This year, 69 training runs will be led by Running Rivals and held at various locations across the GTA.

In 2003, RUNTO attracted more than 7,500 participants to Toronto Island to run the 10k route. On that day, participants set a mark for the largest participation for a single distance road race in Ontario. This year, Nike expects to attract more than 10,000 Torontonians to participate in the 10k run on May 29th at Centre Island.

RUNTO is different than other Toronto runs, from initial sign-up to race day, participants are engaged through weekly training runs (taking place at key city points) that provide musical entertainment, food and beverages, expert trainers, massages as well as occasional opportunities to train alongside Nike Athletes. To be involved in RUNTO, there is no requirement to raise additional funds beyond the entry fee, a charitable donation is provided on behalf of all participants from Nike.

In partnership with Maple Music, RUNTO will host a battle of the bands -- an ongoing competition to identify the best up and coming bands in Toronto with winners of the competition providing all day entertainment at the event.

All RUNTO participants receive a customized Dri-Fit race day shirt, Runner's Guide, ferry pass and timing chip. Runners can track their success using timing chips on event day and receive a photo of themselves crossing the finish line. In addition, participants gain unlimited access to event day activities which include live area entertainers, organized recreational sports as well as an assortment of food and beverages. End of race rewards vary from hot tubs and hammocks to massage therapy as well as organized volleyball and soccer games.

To register for the Nike RUNTO visitrunto.ca or stop by Nike Toronto (110 Bloor Street East). Registration is $50, register early to get a free Dri-Fit shirt (valued at $50).

NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel. Nike Canada Ltd. was established in 1984 and is based in Thornhill, Ont. Further information can be obtained at www.nikebiz.com.