82 replies to this topic

[runningcat]

Hello CRs!

I just saw this last night in my Facebook and searched the CR forums, looks like its not listed so ALL keen WOMEN who wants to do a night race on a Thursday night.

Here's the link for registration:

Nike she runs the night

When: May 3, 2012 - Thursday
7 PM
Where: Centennial Park loop
Fee: $55
Distance: 13Kms

[beebeejaybee]

oooh .... now that makes me really consider upping my distance

[runningbird]

Is there a website for this race? Some of my running gal pals are not facebook users.

[Gadfly]

I'm also not on facebook and couldn't find anything other than the FB links.  

Any idea whether this is on the path or the dirt track at Centennial park?    

[MsMook]

Hi,
Here's the map, I think it'll be on the paths.
Regards
MsMook

[MsMook]

Whoops,
MsMook

[runnerbee]

Hi, I am brand new to this forum and I just heard about the Nike She Runs The Night event today.  Googling it led me here.  I would also like to know how to register without Facebook.  If anyone can help that would be great.  Love love love the idea of running Centennial Park at night!

Cheers,
Runnerbee

Edited by runnerbee, 06 March 2012 - 07:39 PM.

[runningbird]

I don't think there is a way to enter except through facebook. They have started training runs in different areas of Sydney this week - I am going to check it out next week.

[toddstar77]

The Nike She Runs the night event is being promoted pretty heavy at the moment.

They have the Nike Run Club from the Pitt Street store on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6pm, usually 2 courses and 3 different pace groups (5, 5:30, and 6min/km) There are Run Leaders that run the course with everyone, there is a mix of boys and girls (but girls out do boys in numbers). Bonus is go to Nike Run Club and you get a free Nike dri-fit t-shirt in day glow yellow ; )

Nike She Runs are doing events through the week in addition, these are 6min/km pace runs, generally 5-7km in distance, very chilled and relaxed. (If you want to build up to the race distance head to Nike Run Club though, they will build up to a 12km course before the event date)

Nike She Runs March runs for ladies are:
Manly every Tuesday during March at 7pm, meet at The Pantry, adjacent to the Corso, Manly
Pyrmont every Tuesday during March at 7pm, meet at the square, the corner of Harris, Union and Miller streets
Lane Cove ladies every Thursday at 7pm, meet at the Great Northern Hotel, Pacific Highway, Mowbray Road

Nike are also kicking off NTC from their Nike Pitt Street Store on a Wednesday night, 6pm.

I can attempt to see how non-FB users can get involved, will post here if I have any additional details.

Edit: I am involved in the Nike Run Club as a Run Leader on Monday and Wednesdays nights

Edited by toddstar77, 09 March 2012 - 08:08 PM.

[toddstar77]

ok girls, here is the update on signing up if you are not on FB.

All entries are via Facebook, although you can get to the She Runs Page Through a friends Facebook account and then at the point of registration put on all your own details (the entry form does not pre-populate your FB details).

If you dont have a friend on FB (I highly doubt unless you and your friends are some anti-FB clan) you can head down to the shoe collection point at Westfield outside the Nike Store between March 17-April 1 and I am told you can register there.

Edited by toddstar77, 10 March 2012 - 08:39 AM.

[Long Arms]

great to see another big race in Sydney! Well done Nike. I hope the organisers don't mind the if the winners wear different brand shoes (or any of the other 5000 or more participants)

[MsMook]

Hi,
For those not on Facebook, here's an update I recvd.

"Ladies, don't forget bargain early bird prices end this Thursday at midnight for She Runs the Night - enter before Friday to snap up the deal. $65 race entry or $140* race entry plus shoes. *rules apply"

Regards
MsMook

[okrap]

This sounds very cool. I'm a newbie to the city and looking for runs to do. Glad I stumbled upon this thread! Going to sus it out right now...

[PinkSkirt]

I have registered. I'm very curious to see how a big company puts on a show at Centennial Park.Should be interesting just to see all the lighting.

[Bernie G]

I've registered too, should be a fun event.

[monocotyledon]

Me too! Received my pack last week and have even worn my nike top on a run. Looking forward to it.

[Colin]

See you ladies on the course next week- I am on staff doing one or two of the split timing points.

cheers

[monocotyledon]

I've never run - or even walked - around Centennial park before. Whats the elevation like, many hills?I've been training on the coastal run and also around some Coogee to Randwick hills so I'm hoping it's much flatter!

[SevenKale]

Monocotyledon - there is a decent hill around the 3km mark but otherwise pretty flat.

Hey Colin do you know how many entries there are so far?

[toddstar77]

We were out there checking the course and where the markers, lighting towers and other infrastructure will be on Thursday. The biggest climb of the course will be from the 1km mark to the 3.5km mark = about 50m in elevation change. It's really only the one big hill but there are a few ups and downs along the course.

I'll be seeing all you girls running in Zone 3 on the course. Zone 3 is the middle of the course (6km - 9km markers) and will have a drink station (plus DJ). Looks like it is shaping up as a pretty decent course/event.

@SevenKale, there are 3,500 entries so far, so should be a good turn out. Will look great with all the Nike She Runs glow in the dark singlets running under lights!

[MsMook]

Hi Colin,

Will there be timing mats at the start or just at the end?

Toddstar77-for drinks, it is just water?

Regards
MsMook

[Leaf]

I'd love to see something like this in Brisbane!

[TFive]

I'm in too - really looking forward to it . The Nike tops are great and they glow !

[Colin]

MsMook, on 02 May 2012 - 01:53 PM, said:

Hi Colin,

Will there be timing mats at the start or just at the end?

MsMook

Hi more timing mats than you can poke a stick at, which is why I have been roped in to provide a timing point.

Start, 5km, 10km and finish with live updates to web including FB

I will be doing the 5km point with ourdogscruff- say hi as you pass.

cheers

Edited by Colin, 02 May 2012 - 05:56 PM.

[MsMook]

"I will be doing the 5km point with ourdogscruff- say hi as you pass."

Thanks, will do!
MsMook

[chia]

That looked like fun. I was doing laps in the park just before the start. The course was definitely well-lit and decorated!

Edited by chia, 03 May 2012 - 09:44 PM.

[Colin]

Interesting what marketing by a massive brand can do.

I was at the 10km point last night with OurDogScruff and Supersam and to be honest, I can't figure out how 2,500 people would do that for $100 or so.
Random distance 13km...does anyone know their 10km time.
No bibs, no idea who is who from a spectator view because everyone bar a handfull wore the black Nike top with black shorts and many with Nike Free's ...in the dark.
Random course, can't see the map anywhere, but 13km in the park had them doing all the radii I think. And to be honest a pretty boring course.
Late midweek start.

Good concept not knocking the principle, but just how do you get 100 people to a $5 5km on a bright sunny Sunday with BBQ, fruit etc afterwards??

[Emrun]

Colin, on 04 May 2012 - 09:39 AM, said:

I can't figure out how 2,500 people would do that for $100 or so.

$100!!! "Tell 'im he's dreaming!"

You've got to be kidding me, pay 3 figures to become a moving billboard for Nike, no thanks.  And why all black, surely for a night run some flouro should be encouraged.

Meh, I wasn't there and wouldn't be if they moved it down south so I should probably keep my trap shut.

[Colin]

Emrun, on 04 May 2012 - 10:01 AM, said:

Colin, on 04 May 2012 - 09:39 AM, said:

I can't figure out how 2,500 people would do that for $100 or so.

$100!!! "Tell 'im he's dreaming!"

You've got to be kidding me, pay 3 figures to become a moving billboard for Nike, no thanks.  And why all black, surely for a night run some flouro should be encouraged.

Meh, I wasn't there and wouldn't be if they moved it down south so I should probably keep my trap shut.

Apparently entry only via FB, so no idea of exact costs or course etc, but early bird was $75 plus $45 for a pair of older version Frees (probably $4 ex China), and then entry was higher afterwards.
They wore black with "Nike She runs the Night" on front in a sort of fluoro (not very bright) with glow armbands etc, trees lit up in fluoro, big lit up balls as 10km, 5km markers etc
However from a spectator view just a mass of runners appearing out of the dark moving very slowly.

Anyway, can't get my head around the 13km, must be a Nike magic number.

Edited by Colin, 04 May 2012 - 10:47 AM.

[Leaf]

Ok scrap my comment about wanting to run it - I didn't know it was that expensive.

Did any speedy runners show up?

[Supersam1979]

It was cool hanging out with Colin and Our Dog Scruff last night, but echo all his comments about the expense and the shoes etc.

The winning time was not that quick and in fairness no real current guns showed up. The leader came through 10K on  relatively flat course in about 38.10. That is good, but not that quick compared to other ladies in NSW. She was also leading by some way, with noone pushing her hard. I am waiting for the results and stand to be corrected, but I think I saw ex Irish runner Sonia O'Sullivan in third place through the 10K mark.

I also struggle with the randomness of the distance. Why not a standard 10K? Colin did remark that some came haring through the 10K split like a bat out of hell and perhaps they were looking for a 10K PB.

Another thing I don't like is the move to Facebook entry- what about those that don't do Facebook?

Good to see the park used for something healthy (having people moving was better than them sitting on their couch eating chips), but perhaps they could train their park officials to be a little more polite to people who are volunteering their time on a cold Thursday night.

Well done to all the ladies that took part!

Edited by Supersam1979, 04 May 2012 - 11:34 AM.

[HalfaJess]

Well I was one of the 3500 women running last night and although I agree it was a tad odd/expensive (I paid $80 to enter, everyone wearning black, course was very dark in places, there was "fire" which was annoying to run through going from cold to hot etc..) I must say it was an extremely well run event and the event organisers did a fantastic job!

Unofficial times haven't come out, stopped my garmin at 56:41 (13.17km), not many people appeared to have finished before me and there was only a few around me/others in front during the race..... Felt it was a good prep race for the SMH half!

[TFive]

HalfaJess, on 04 May 2012 - 12:07 PM, said:

,  there was "fire" which was annoying to run through going from cold to hot etc..)

Really ? The fire was a hightlight for me, and not annoying at all . Anyway, I found the whole event to be well organised and good value for money. I received an sms with my time by 10pm - guess there's just no pleasing some people. Oh, and the other good thing .... I got a 13km PB

[TFive]

Supersam1979, on 04 May 2012 - 11:33 AM, said:

It was cool hanging out with Colin and Our Dog Scruff last night, but echo all his comments about the expense and the shoes etc.

The winning time was not that quick and in fairness no real current guns showed up. The leader came through 10K on  relatively flat course in about 38.10. That is good, but not that quick compared to other ladies in NSW. She was also leading by some way, with noone pushing her hard. I am waiting for the results and stand to be corrected, but I think I saw ex Irish runner Sonia O'Sullivan in third place through the 10K mark.

Perhaps women just wanted to run this event for fun .... you know, enjoy the atmosphere etc   Who gives a s#$^ if the "fast guns didn't turn up !

[OurDogScruff]

The power of a brand, simple as that in my opinion.  They obviously gave people what they want.  The amount of people running.  The number of likes on the Facebook page proves that.  People who took part are saying it's the best event ever.  50,000 Facebook likes.  3,500 entrants.  Everyone wearing Nike gear.  Nike mentioned every Nike second Nike word.  They don't want to identify people with bibs, they want to identify their brand.  And they did a good job at that.  

Good to meet you Supersam.  And in fairness, I think he was just answering the question above, asking if any speedy people turned up rather than having a go that there were no 'speedy people' there.

[runhard]

$100 to run 13k?  What the?  Glad everyone had fun.

[Coogee1979M]

Colin, on 04 May 2012 - 09:39 AM, said:

Interesting what marketing by a massive brand can do.

I was at the 10km point last night with OurDogScruff and Supersam and to be honest, I can't figure out how 2,500 people would do that for $100 or so.
Random distance 13km...does anyone know their 10km time.
No bibs, no idea who is who from a spectator view because everyone bar a handfull wore the black Nike top with black shorts and many with Nike Free's ...in the dark.
Random course, can't see the map anywhere, but 13km in the park had them doing all the radii I think. And to be honest a pretty boring course.
Late midweek start.

Good concept not knocking the principle, but just how do you get 100 people to a $5 5km on a bright sunny Sunday with BBQ, fruit etc afterwards??

Colin I think you've answered your own question - the Nike brand is more well-known than the SMC brand.  They probably also have a higher marketing budget than SMC. Centennial Park is much closer to the city than Smithfield, and better able to attract participants from outside the immediate area.

But it's not just SMC - Sri Chimnoy are only slightly more expensive than SMC, and they only get a few hundred people at each race.

As for the course being 'pretty boring', I'll guess that all else being equal, most runners would prefer to run through CP than through sidestreets in Smithfield.  However one benefit of running in Smithfield is that there are fewer horse manure obstacles.

[HalfaJess]

TFive, on 04 May 2012 - 12:47 PM, said:

HalfaJess, on 04 May 2012 - 12:07 PM, said:

,  there was "fire" which was annoying to run through going from cold to hot etc..)

Really ? The fire was a hightlight for me, and not annoying at all . Anyway, I found the whole event to be well organised and good value for money. I received an sms with my time by 10pm - guess there's just no pleasing some people. Oh, and the other good thing .... I got a 13km PB

Oh I thought it looked really cool but I couldn't wait to get through it!

For $80 or $65 (early entry) it was reasonable, you got a shirt, they closed the park, drinks before, during and after, well organised.

Didn't find the course boring at all, it was a fast 13k course... And most people there seemed to be in it for fun, not to run a fast time. Any event that promotes health/fitness/running is a good thing, right?

[TFive]

Supersam1979, on 04 May 2012 - 11:33 AM, said:

The winning time was not that quick and in fairness no real current guns showed up. The leader came through 10K on  relatively flat course in about 38.10. That is good, but not that quick compared to other ladies in NSW. She was also leading by some way, with noone pushing her hard. I am waiting for the results and stand to be corrected, but I think I saw ex Irish runner Sonia O'Sullivan in third place through the 10K mark.


Another thing I don't like is the move to Facebook entry- what about those that don't do Facebook?

OurDogScruff, on 04 May 2012 - 01:09 PM, said:

And in fairness, I think he was just answering the question above, asking if any speedy people turned up rather than having a go that there were no 'speedy people' there.

Sounds like a statement to me . Be great to read some more comments from women who actually participated in the race.

[Supersam1979]

TFive, on 04 May 2012 - 12:54 PM, said:

Supersam1979, on 04 May 2012 - 11:33 AM, said:

It was cool hanging out with Colin and Our Dog Scruff last night, but echo all his comments about the expense and the shoes etc.

The winning time was not that quick and in fairness no real current guns showed up. The leader came through 10K on  relatively flat course in about 38.10. That is good, but not that quick compared to other ladies in NSW. She was also leading by some way, with noone pushing her hard. I am waiting for the results and stand to be corrected, but I think I saw ex Irish runner Sonia O'Sullivan in third place through the 10K mark.

Perhaps women just wanted to run this event for fun .... you know, enjoy the atmosphere etc   Who gives a s#$^ if the "fast guns didn't turn up !

I am all up for people of any sex, age or race participating in a healthy activity (shoot me though for caring about the winning time). We need far more of these sorts of things around the world for everyone if we are going to beat the obesity epidemic. These Nike (and other companies - insert Spar, Tesco, Walmart, Reebok etc) ladies runs have been going in the UK, South Africa and US for many years now - the concept is nothing new. It is strange that it took so long to come over here to Australia.

Centennial Park as a venue is also underutilised for athletic events - from race organisers I know, this is down to loads of red tape and regulation. Seems this always comes before the health of the population.

It was really good to see so many participants enjoying themselves, but I must also question that if 3500 ladies will rock up in the evening in the middle of the week to run (and it is claimed they like running with other women), then how come we struggle with maintaining any sort of club culture in Australia?  Good to see the young ladies (only three of them) that bucked the trend and wore their Striders and Woodstock club singlets instead.

[Colin]

TFive, on 04 May 2012 - 02:00 PM, said:

Sounds like a statement to me . Be great to read some more comments from women who actually participated in the race.

A race?? I thought you just said people wanted to run for fun.

Point is not to get too worked up. There were onlookers who were just making some comparisons from events organisers' point of view, nothing to do with how little or much fun you had. Well done on your 13km PB, I got my 5.9km PB the other day, getting older so got to vary the PB distances.

Supersam answered a question..ok he answered it with statement. There were talks of Tamsett et all fronting up because there were quite huge prizes for the taking, so it was very suprising to get to 37min and no leader in sight yet. Am I going to get knocked for pointing that out. SS is a soft touch, my skin's thicker.

Coogee1979M, on 04 May 2012 - 01:37 PM, said:

Colin I think you've answered your own question - the Nike brand is more well-known than the SMC brand.  

Of course, umpteen times more and everything else you said, but we were talking about 13k/$80/3,500 entrants vs 5km/$5/50 entrants with everything inc certified course.

On another note we may get bashed for, so I will blame Supersam***, we were pondering what if there was a "He runs the night/morning" ***etc...would that have been deemed sexist. I wonder, probably yes. And the link to "safe running at night", that was just BS marketing because there is no such thing for scantily dressed ladies...that's just reality.

*** SS insisted that we call our run "He runs the night...in his undies"

[djbleakman]

Girls in my office participated and also said it was a brilliant event - the cost of the event is inconsequential to be frank. it's the power of marketing at play and being able to tap into what appeals to 3,500 Sydneysider women. This is a great example of how to do just that, tap into the mindset of a group of people and shape something that they feel and want to be part of. For those that dismiss marketing as a waste of time and money, this is a perfect example of just how well it can work... admittedly with a massive budget.

This event should be applauded, not critised because of cost, or let's be frank, sheer bitterness... it's because of events like this that numerous women where I work are now inspired to run and to continue running, and asking for training advice. I'm sure that is only a good thing, rather than sitting on their arses in front of a TV...

[Colin]

djbleakman, on 04 May 2012 - 02:20 PM, said:

This event should be applauded, not critised because of cost, or let's be frank, sheer bitterness... it's because of events like this that numerous women where I work are now inspired to run and to continue running, and asking for training advice. I'm sure that is only a good thing, rather than sitting on their arses in front of a TV...

Agreed, but please point out where the 'bitterness' was and I will remove it if it applies to me. Playing the man again as usual it seems. It was quite clear, and I even said it was a good concept, that I was comparing the turnouts and pondering reasons, and if you know me and you well do in this respect you bloody well know that I do a hellava lot to get MORE people out there running and the lower the cost the better....and don't take advantage of what is organised by others.
If there was any criticism it was not at Nike or the participants, but the general running public not supporting grassroots events.

BTW, only 2,500 of the 3,500 who paid bothered to turn up. Make of that what you will.

cheers

Edited by Colin, 04 May 2012 - 02:27 PM.

[djbleakman]

Colin, I wasn't having a go at you directly or indeed anyone in particular. I know you, and if I was I would call you out by name, not hide behind words... the bitterness is more in relation to the general tone of the thread and reaction.

I take what you say lightly anyway and I know you weren't having a pop at the organisers... life is too short

[Colin]

djbleakman, on 04 May 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

Colin, I wasn't having a go at you directly or indeed anyone in particular. I know you, and if I was I would call you out by name, not hide behind words... the bitterness is more in relation to the general tone of the thread and reaction.

Mate, point is, there was no one else 'bitter' on this thread. SS pointed out the time in response to someone else and others remarked on the power of the brand , which is pretty much what you said as well.
There is no need to derail a thread, talking about 'general tone', just say who you are referring to and get on with it.

In terms of the success everyone in running is happy about that, and as an organiser I would be taking notes (within my resources of course) to get better outcomes. I am locked in to work at another 6 events this year already and actually organising a fun run myself (a former one that has lapsed)...news will be released soon...coming to a Facebook near you

[HalfaJess]

SuperSam - According to the race info you "had" to wear the Nike Shirt as there were no bibs and that was your proof of entry.. They clearly weren't too strict with that if you saw 3 runners not wearing it! Trust me, I wouldn't of worn the Nike singlet unless I "had" to!

One other criticism would have to be the option of signing up to have your splits posted to your Facebook page, I signed up (for free) however my splits were posted in the incorrect order 2 hours after finishing..! Still awaiting offical times... And places!

[Supersam1979]

Mate how can I enter your event then as I am not on Spacebook?? .  Can we get some of those 'water sack things' at your event?

[halfwaydown]

Colin, on 04 May 2012 - 02:25 PM, said:

BTW, only 2,500 of the 3,500 who paid bothered to turn up. Make of that what you will.

Thursday = Shopping Night!........

[TFive]

halfwaydown, on 04 May 2012 - 03:22 PM, said:

Colin, on 04 May 2012 - 02:25 PM, said:

BTW, only 2,500 of the 3,500 who paid bothered to turn up. Make of that what you will.

Thursday = Shopping Night!........

Your point is ?

[HalfaJess]

According to the Facebook page, Hannah Flannery was the first across the line in a time of 49:28.