Legally Blind Elite Marathoner Marla Runyan Races With a Watch for the First Time; NYC Contender to Run Marathon With New Watch Exclusively Created for Her by Nike

Business Wire, Oct 31, 2003

Photo Editors/Sports Editors/Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2003

Marla Runyan, middle and long-distance champion, will run the Marathon this weekend with a new watch specifically designed for her by Nike. Runyan, who is legally blind, has never been able to see a standard watch while running, causing her to rely on verbal help of others to call out her times both in training and racing.

Nike came to Runyan with the idea in 2002, after she announced that she would make her marathon debut in New York City. Initial conversations focused on her needs, including size of the watch display, color and most importantly, contrast. At the time, Marla was using a standard Nike Triax watch for everyday use, but she needed to hold it extremely close to her face to be able to see it.

A team of Nike equipment designers went to work, drafting several ideas for a one-of-a-kind watch to assist Runyan, including watches that gave verbal cues, vibration and more. They settled on a technology that offers an extremely clear, large display with vibrant colors and strong contrast. The watch is extremely lightweight plastic material and has been fit especially for Marla's wrist. The technology used in this display is currently utilized in coffee machines and microwave ovens and it is the first time it has been used in a watch.

The watch sample, presented to Marla earlier this month, met her unique needs. Marla ran with the watch near her home in Eugene, Oregon and worked closely with the equipment team, based at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, to provide feedback. The size and contrast were visible for her, even in the shade. The team made some tweaks to the battery to extend the life of the watch and continues to work with Marla right up to the marathon.

The custom timepiece measures 110 mm X 50 mm and is 8 mm thick. It is held onto her wrist by a breathable Velcro band.

Features on the watch are minimal and include only the specific needs Marla requested. They include time of day, a chronograph that tells the total time run and also split times, which can help Runyan with her pacing. These features are also relevant for her training needs. The custom buttons were designed for ease of use and light up when touched.

This watch has given Runyan an independence she has been seeking for a long time in her training.

"Before this watch, I had to rely on my husband and coach, Matt, to be with me during every workout. The watch Nike made for me will allow me to go to the track to do workouts alone because I'll be able to see my split times. In fact, I like it so much that I want to wear it every day because I've never been able to know the time of the day this easily," said Runyan.

"Working with Marla on this project has been one of the most rewarding projects we've ever experienced," said Charlie Case, Nike equipment program manager. "Our team came together when we heard that Marla couldn't use a standard watch in training and we figured 'We have the technology and the designers to make this happen, lets do it.' Marla has been incredible to work with, sharing her time as she prepares for the marathon and being very appreciative every step of the way."

Sunday's race will be Runyan's third marathon and second in New York City. In 2002, she placed fourth in a time of 2:27:10.

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.

For more information or images of Runyan's watch, please contact Beth Hegde at 503-703-6485

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