Renowned Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge, a double Olympic marathon champion and holder of the marathon world record, has joined forces with Nike to introduce the captivating "EK Umoja" Collection.
This exclusive capsule of running footwear and apparel embodies Kipchoge's belief that running transcends being merely an individual sport; instead, it serves as a powerful means to foster community and connection.
Umoja, the Swahili word for "unity," lies at the heart of this collection, which pays homage to the unifying legacy that Kipchoge has created within the global running community.
In his own words, this collection represents "the work done together as a running family and community."
Nike, in a statement released on Thursday, confirmed that the "EK Umoja" Collection is set to be available starting August 31, 2023, at nike.com and select retailers, features a range of products, including the highly acclaimed Nike Alphafly 2 and the iconic Windrunner jacket.
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What sets these items apart is their vibrant colors and graphics, inspired by Kipchoge's historic victory in the 5,000 meters at the World Athletics Championship in Paris back in 2003 when he was just 19 years old.
Throughout his 20 years competing at the highest level of the sport, Kipchoge and Nike have propelled their shared purpose to rethink human potential and move the world forward through running.
Their combined commitment has been to challenge the boundaries of human potential and advance the world through the power of running, a mission that continues with the EK Umoja Collection.
"'Umoja' stands for unity in my native Swahili," Kipchoge explained, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a running family and community.
As he prepares for his sixth appearance in the Berlin Marathon, a venue where he has twice shattered the marathon world record (in 2018 with a time of 2:01:39 and again in 2022 with a time of 2:01:09), Kipchoge's dedication to unity remains unwavering.
The EK Umoja Collection comprises five distinct Nike running footwear silhouettes: Nike Alphafly 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, Nike Zoom Fly 5, Pegasus 40, and Nike Victory track spike.
In addition to the footwear, the collection includes an array of apparel items such as the Nike Windrunner jacket, Nike Rise 365 tee, Nike Stride 7-inch short, and a Nike Dri-FIT tee.
Each product within the collection pays tribute to the genesis of Kipchoge's illustrious racing career, specifically his triumphant moment at the 2003 World Athletics Championship in Paris.
The recurring color red in the collection symbolizes Kipchoge's proud Kenyan heritage and serves as a nod to the Nike Kenya kit he wore when clinching his first gold medal.
For those who appreciate the finer details, the sock liners of the collection's footwear and select apparel items proudly display the official time of Kipchoge's 2003 5,000-meter victory: 12:52.79.
A poignant touch to the collection is a graphic print bearing Kipchoge's handwritten mantra: "No Human is Limited."
This powerful message of limitless potential is prominently featured on the midsole of each shoe and across the apparel line.
The Dri-FIT tee in the collection carries a quote that mirrors Kipchoge's unwavering optimism: "Let us imagine that we are in a garden. Let us focus on the flowers and not the weeds."
This message encapsulates the enduring spirit of unity, positivity, and shared accomplishment that Eliud Kipchoge and Nike aim to inspire through the "EK Umoja" Collection.
In a world where running transcends boundaries and unites individuals from diverse backgrounds, Kipchoge and Nike's collaboration stands as a testament to the power of unity in the sport, encapsulated in this remarkable collection.
It's not just about running; it's about creating a global running family.
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