Shot in Nairobi by Julia Noni and showcasing its new “Free Elite Kenyan Runners” collection, Nike unveils a range of images and high performance footwear that celebrate Kenya’s love of running.
Calling them “The Naturals” and speaking of the award-winning athletes the brand enlisted for the campaign – Eunice Sum, Bethwell Birgen, Mercy Cherono, Betsy Saina, Sam Chelanga, Mica Kogo, Aspel Kiprop, Hellen Obiri, Abel Mutai and Mike Kigen – Nike says;
“Today’s elites were raised on running.
At 8,000 feet above sea level is an entire community in perpetual motion. Kids easily run 10k each way to school and back, travelling to town like others would ride a bus. To the store, to friends, to family, they run. This is their normal: a life lived and explored on foot.
The kids who grew up running these roads now run around the world, across finish lines, to the top of sport.”
Inspired by the athletes and their country’s talent and passion for running, Nike’s running shoe designer Mark Miner has created the new “Free Elite” range, which allows wearers to be lower to the ground and provides a “more flexible outsole and a more natural stride.”
See the campaign shots and a short video with some of the athletes, below;
Image source: Nike.com
