Nike+ Human Race Quick Links

USC's 2009 Nike+ Human Race race knocked it out of the park with a 5K/10K the likes of which the City of Angels has never before seen.

Runners arrived amped up and ready to roll at 8PM, more than 4 hours before the race start, so we got the party started early. It was a beautiful fall day in LA, with the afternoon heat of Hollywood transitioned into perfect running weather for the midnight race. As they stretched and enjoyed a view of the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum, runners got a preview of the Ultimate Nike Tailgate party location, that will open at noon on Saturday.

8,500 runners lined Christmas Tree Lane from the turnstiles of the Coliseum to Figueroa, and everyone in attendance was treated to an amazing pre-race program. Homegrown Maria Helena Perez showed why she was THE right person to sing the National Anthem in LA. Emcees Tatiana George and Jimmy Dean Freeman amped up the crowd and challenged LA to race the world…

...then runners were OFF!


On the course, runners were greeted with live music stations at various energy spots, each featuring hometown performers. USC student groups cheered on their peers and keeping the excitement level high. All along the Greek Row on W. 28th St, where the Nike Hub is located, supporters lined the streets and provided that halfway push for runners. The revelers caught the Nike+ Human Race fever and cheered participants to even greater heights.

The essence of this global running event was capped with power stations along the course that highlighted videos of key race cities and the enthusiasm of international participants. Trojans ran the roads of LA with images of other racers worldwide to chase them down!

After the race, the crowd rocked out with DJ Wellz until nearly 2AM, enjoying the perfect LA weather and getting ready for the Ultimate Nike Tailgate 10 hours later.


The Ultimate Nike Tailgate will be open to all race participants from 12PM-5PM before the USC-Oregon State football game at the Coliseum. Participants MUST wear their Tailgate wristband to get into the party, where Nike will be providing endless BBQ, free beverages, cupcakes and other goodies from our sponsors!

Be sure to party with LA Riots, TroubleMaker and Diplo as we gear up for the showdown of the year at the Coliseum!

Fight on, USC! Beat the Beavers!