Nike just wrapped up an energising week of activations at 70 Bree Street, transforming the space into a vibrant hub for Cape Town’s running community – and we were there to capture it all.
In the lead-up to the Cape Town Marathon, from Wednesday, 15 October to Saturday, 18 October, Nike hosted an immersive line-up of experiences that celebrated the culture of running, connection and creativity. Over five action-packed days, athletes, local running crews and fitness enthusiasts came together for daily shake-out runs, inspiring panel talks and social sessions that embodied the energy and joy of movement.
On The Front Lines
We were on the front lines to trial Nike’s latest running innovations, including the Pegasus Premium, Vomero Plus and Structure 26, all while enjoying live DJ sets and post-run refreshments at the 70 Bree Street hub.
One of our absolute highlights were the panel discussions! These sessions were full of insightful conversations with athletes, coaches and run crews, unpacking crucial topics like tapering, pacing and mental preparation, offering valuable, actionable insights for every runner ahead of race day.
3 Quickfire Tips From Runner And Coach, Nick Bester:
We made sure to grab some essential wisdom. Here are three quick takeaways we picked up from Nick Bester:
- “It’s not the night before a race that matters; it’s two nights before. That’s when you need your best sleep.”
- “You can’t get faster in the week leading up to a race. If you push too hard, you’re wasting your time. Cut your mileage by 20–25% instead.”
- “Rest doesn’t mean doing nothing. Keep your legs moving, reduce your mileage, stretch and let your body recover.”
READ MORE: 7 Things To Know When Buying A New Pair Of Running Shoes
The Power of Community Running
The WH team also caught up with some of Johannesburg and Cape Town’s most vibrant running crews, including The Pack, Home Run and Not Late Running Club, creating a strong sense of camaraderie and shared motivation. We loved hearing the massive impact of community running and how it is growing in South Africa.
READ MORE: 18 Running Clubs In South Africa To Kickstart Your Journey
From sunset shake-out runs led by DJ duo Major League and Olympian Caster Semenya, to stretch sessions with Tshiamo and community gatherings, the takeover captured the essence of what makes running more than just a sport, it’s a culture of endurance, self-expression and unity.
By bringing people together through these shared experiences, Nike powerfully reinforced its belief in the joy of running. The success of the 70 Bree Street activation highlighted the brand’s continued commitment to supporting local athletes and fostering spaces that inspire peak performance, culture and connection.
