Nike Run Jozi x RunSL Recap
October in Johannesburg is known for its flood of purple Jacaranda’s draping the trees and suburban streets, but this year, the city streets came alive in a new way - with hundreds of runners, music, and a palpable sense of community as Nike’s Run Jozi series brought together running crews from across Joburg. Aimed at redefining the running experience, Nike Run Jozi is an inclusive, interactive, and community-driven running experience celebrating the vibrant diversity of Joburg’s running culture. By welcoming everyone, regardless of their fitness level or where they come from, the event was a testament to Nike’s belief that running is for everyone- a belief that we hold true at Shelflife and RunSL.
Shelflife’s running crew, RunSL combines urban culture with fitness, offering a welcoming environment for all runners in the SL community and beyond. Though starting off as an “occasional running club”, RunSL now has regular weekly runs in both Joburg and Cape Town. RunSL blends community, wellness, and exploration of the city - attracting a diverse group of people passionate about leading an active lifestyle, and so getting involved in the Run Jozi campaign was the perfect fit.
Nike Run Jozi brought together some of Johannesburg's most dynamic and inclusive running communities – RunSL, A Running Clu.b, Home Run Club, Jozi Run Crew, Run Tell That (RTT), Good Neighbar Running Club, The Pack and Benchwarmers Runners Club. Each club embodies the spirit of community and empowerment, making this campaign a transformative experience for runners across the city. The event was a three week running programme starting from the 16th of October 2024 until the 31st
of October, hosting seven runs lead by the various Joburg crews. From the lead clubs to starting points to running routes, the campaign highlighted the essence of Joburg’s spirit.
The RunSL crew played a pivotal role, from being one of the leading crews for the massive run on the 29th of October to pacing and marshalling the runners across the city. Shelflife’s team ensured that first-timers to seasoned runners could enjoy the experience safely and confidently, while staying motivated and connected along the way.
The final two runs of the series drew hundreds of participants, with the energy only amplified by music and the vibrant Nike pop-up centred around the launch of the Nike Pegasus 41, which was a key feature of each starting point. The pop-ups at each run served as more than just a backdrop; it was a space for building a new community for yourself in the running world and celebrating each runner’s individual journey. With music pulsing through the crowd, the Pegasus activation truck became the heart of the event, embodying the spirit of Run Jozi.
In Shelflife’s ongoing pursuit to build and uplift all the communities we are a part of, Nike Run Jozi was an incredible thing to be involved in. Together, all eight running crews alongside and the hundreds of athletes, really showed that running is not just an individual pursuit but a powerful, collective movement. The event was a celebration of innovation, community, and the joy of running—a reminder that when we come together, we can break boundaries and achieve remarkable things.
See the Nike Run Jozi highlights below:
16th October
Watch the highlight reel HERE
17th October:
Watch the highlight reel HERE
22nd October:
23rd October:
Watch the highlight reel HERE
26th October:
Watch the highlight reel HERE
29th October:
Watch the highlight reel HERE
Watch the 31st October and Campaign recap HERE
