Even though the highly anticipated Sunday marathon was cancelled, the energy didn’t miss a single stride. Nike’s Spirit of Running Week transformed 70 Bree Street into the ultimate runner’s clubhouse, a vibrant hub where music, movement, and motivation collided to celebrate the heart of the running community.
The week opened on a high note with Major League DJz, who not only brought their signature amapiano sound to the Clubhouse but also laced up and joined the runs themselves. Their participation set the tone for a week that blurred the lines between sport and culture, proving that running is as much about rhythm as it is about resilience.
From daily shake-out runs and trail sessions testing Nike’s latest innovations, the Pegasus Premium, Vomero Plus, and Structure 26, to panel discussions and crew conversations, every moment was designed to remind runners why they do it: community, connection, and pure love for the sport.
On Friday, the energy hit its stride with Caster Semenya leading a powerful 5K alongside some of Johannesburg’s strongest crews, Home Runn, Benchwarmers, The Pack, and Run Tell That. Before the run, athletes tuned into a panel with Nick Bester of Nedbank Run Club and other elite runners, unpacking tapering techniques, pacing, and the mental grit that defines marathoners.
The vibe didn’t end with the runs. At the Nike Clubhouse, the Recovery Zone powered by Hyperice, shoe customization bar, nail bar, and Nike Café became social sanctuaries, places to stretch, refuel, and catch live DJ sets while soaking up the buzz.
Though the official race couldn’t go on, Nike’s week-long celebration kept the spirit of the marathon alive. It wasn’t about the finish line this time, it was about showing up, running together, and remembering why we move in the first place.
