Thousands of Participants Rock Out While Running in
New York,
Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles
New York, NY (June 18, 2005) – Fuse, the nation's only viewer-driven, all-music network today announced that it has entered into a multi-platform initiative with Nike to promote the third annual Nike Run Hit Wonder races in New York, Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Featuring "staying power bands" that include DJ Z-Trip, Chingy, Fountains of Wayne, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Nina Sky, and The Donnas, stages will be set up along the race course and at the finish line. Thousands of runners, including Fuse's VJ Dylan, will rock the 5-mile (New York) and 5K/10K (Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles) races to the sounds of "I Love Rock N' Roll," "Take It Off," and "Stacy's Mom."
"The Nike Run Hit Wonder races bring together runners of all levels to participate in a race featuring well-known bands," commented Joaque Hidalgo, Vice President of Nike US Brand Management. "Because Fuse embodies music and reaches a sought after demographic, we are delighted that the network got involved in the sold out event."
"We are thrilled to partner with Nike and be involved with the Nike Run Hit Wonder races," commented Sandy Rubinstein, Fuse's Vice President, Marketing. "Nike has brilliantly tapped into the 'fusion' of sports and music and we wholeheartedly agree that there is no better way to motivate young people to continue participating in athletics than to do so with music."
The details of the multi-platform initiative include:
On-air:
— A special edition of the F/list, Fuse's video countdown show hosted by VJ Dylan and driven by viewers who go online and choose the videos for each of the themed episodes. Filmed at Niketown in New York City during one of the Nike Run Hit Wonder training runs, F/List's Run Fast, Run Loud will premiere on July 18 at 8pm ET and will countdown the best songs to run and train to.
— Coverage from all four races on Fuse's Daily Download, a daily countdown show that airs Monday-Friday at 6 p.m. (ET) and plays host to musical guests and celebrity visitors, while counting down the top 10 downloaded songs in the country and giving away thousands of free downloads to the audience.
On-line:
— Viewers, fans and runners will be able to visit the Nike Run Hit Wonder micro site (www.fuse.tv) where they can create their own F/List's Run Fast, Run Loud playlist and see those created by the Fuse VJs
–Download an exclusive Nike Run Hit Wonder ring tone from DJ Z-Trip
–View and submit photos to the Nike Run Hit Wonder photoblog
–Sign up for motivational text alerts sent directly to their mobile phones
–Download wallpapers and screensavers
NikeGO, Nike's national community affairs program commitment to getting youth physically active, will donate 500 race entries to local youth groups in NY, Portland and Chicago and 1000 race entries in LA to promote health and fitness to those in the community. In addition, NikeGO will also donate $100,000 to support Portland Park & Rec programs get kids active.
The Nike Run Hit Wonder race kicks off in New York City's Central Park on July 20, and then continues on to Portland (July 24), Chicago (Sept. 13) and Los Angeles (Sept. 24).
NikeGO
NikeGO is Nike's signature U.S. community affairs initiative and the company's long-term commitment to getting kids more physically active. The program's mission is to increase physical activity in youth ages 8-15, offering them the support and motivation to become physically active, stay healthy and have fun. Nike committed more than $10 million last year in cash and products to get kids moving and targets to increase that amount in the current year through programs such as PE2GO. Visit www.nikego.com for additional information.
About Nike, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan ?, which designs, markets, and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.
About Fuse
Fuse is the nation's only all-music, viewer-influenced television network, featuring music videos, exclusive artist interviews, live concerts and specials — all rooted in the music experience. Fuse reflects the rapidly changing interests and attitudes of its 12-34 year-old audience by uniting the media platforms at the center of their communication and entertainment – TV, Web, mobile technologies and interactive gaming and by incorporating their opinions and suggestions into the network's on-air and online programming. More information about Fuse is available at www.fuse.tv.
About Cablevision Systems Corporation
Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading entertainment, media and telecommunications companies. In addition to its broadband, cable, Internet, telephone and satellite television offerings, the company owns and operates Rainbow Media Holdings LLC and its networks; Madison Square Garden and its teams; and, Clearview Cinemas. In addition, Cablevision operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall. Additional information about Cablevision Systems Corporation is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.