With a total of 140 runners registered to run on 8.31.2008, Syracuse University outpaced all 15 Eastern colleges participating in the The Nike+ Human Race 10K college challenge.

Leading up to race day, Jackie Hindy (Team Syracuse organizer) led a series of training runs and designed the virtual course around the university's campus.

"A lot of time was put into designing the actual course. Holding a virtual race required a series of components in order to have a successful race day. First, I had to map out three possible routes and seek approval from the Center of Parking and Transit at SU and the Department of Public Safety in order to block the streets from outside traffic during the race on 8.31.08. These three courses included one route on main campus, one route on south campus (around a mile distance from the University's main campus,) and a third, more scenic off-campus route. Of the three proposed routes, the south campus route was approved. This course consisted of four laps and a tedious uphill section."

Once the course was set, information was sent out about the route, the start time, and awards. Word spread quickly around campus and the majority of students who decided to sign-up came from running clubs or track teams. In order to maintain interest and develop a sense of campus excitement, training runs were scheduled leading up.

"Three training runs were held throughout the summer in order to physically prepare the students, as well as build and maintain awareness of the upcoming event. The training runs were along a 5 kilometer route and began at a familiar on-campus intersection. Each run began with a brief demonstration of Nike technology and a review of the route. Following each training run, several gifts including Human Race t-shirts, iTunes and Starbucks gift cards were raffled off."

On 8.31.2008, the runners arrived promptly at noon to start the race. By 12:01pm, more than 140 students had joined in the day the world stopped to run. As the runners started to near completion of the race, it was Jon Peres, VP of the Syracuse Jackalopes Running Club - the University's largest established running club on campus - crossing the line in first place with an official time of 42 minutes and 27 seconds.

"The race was a once-in-a lifetime experience. Having so many people come out and support The Nike Human Race 10K was worth all of the time and effort I put into organizing the race. Everyone had a great time and it was truly a successful day."

NIKE would like to congratulate Syracuse University for a tremendous job representing The Nike+ Human Race 10K and for having so many students participate in the virtual race. A special thank you goes to Jackie Hindy for organizing the virtual race on campus and for acting as a Human Race College Brand Ambassador.