Contributed by Cheryl Ng

Friday, September 18, 2009 - 500 more young runners will get the chance to be part of the world's biggest running event, the Nike+ Human Race 10K, which has met with an overwhelming response in Singapore.

Close to 9,000 runners booked their date to run with the world in less than a week after registration counters were officially opened. Public registration slots were filled by Monday, 14 September.

Due to the great public response, Nike has decided to release an additional 500 slots for runners who did not manage to book their places for the 24th October event. In addition, the first 1,000 customers who purchase the latest edition of the Nike+ Sportband will be given a complimentary entry into the much sought after Nike+ Human Race 10K.

Mr Glenn Heng, Nike's Southeast Asia Marketing Manager, said, "We, at Nike, are simply thrilled by the fact that so many people have signed up so quickly, and this proves that the Nike+ Human Race 10K is truly one of the most anticipated running events in Singapore."

"The participants all enjoyed their experience last year and wish to come back for more. We have decided to extend another 500 slots to runners so that more people can enjoy the chance to to run together with others around the world. By hosting the Nike+ Human Race 10K, we hope to inspire more runners in Singapore to be part of this unique experience on the day that the world runs," he added.

500 registration entries will be released to the public on Wednesday, 23rd September, at 11am, exclusively at the Nike flagship store at Wisma Atria. While no purchase is required, each person can only register for themselves, and registration will be limited to a first-come-first served basis. Payments are strictly by credit cards or NETS only.

The opening of 500 additional slots for the Nike+ Human Race 10K is certainly great news to running enthusiast, 23-year-old Singapore Institute of Management student James Lim, who ran his first race during last year's Nike+ Human Race 10K. He said, "Before I became a regular runner, I never thought that I could complete a 10km run, let alone compete in an actual race! Being part of the Nike+ Human Race 10K last year was a really special experience for me, as I was motivated and inspired by being part of such a huge running event for the world."

Marcus Wee, James' school mate, chorused, "I had an awesome time with James at the race last year, and it's great that runners who buy the Nike+ Sportband can get a free entry into the race this year. I've been meaning to get the Sportband to help me with my runs, and getting it now will be like killing two birds with one stone for many runners!"

Runners who wish to do their part for charity can take part in the virtual Guys VS Girls Challenge on Nike+ this year. Guys, led by Mediacorp artiste Tay Ping Hui, will run for the WWF while girls, led by Hype Records' artiste Rui En, will run for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. Each gender will try to clock the most number of kilometers in the weeks leading to the Nike+ Human Race 10K in order to earn a donation from Nike to their charity.

The first group which clocks the most distance from now until 26th September will win the first sum of $5,000 for their charity. The winning gender for the next week will win another $5,000 for their charity. $10,000 will be up for grabs in the third and fourth week each, and the fifth week will see the winning team earning $20,000 for their charity.

The distance logged in for each gender is cumulative, starting from the first week, and there is no limit to the number of runners joining in the Guys VS Girls Challenge.

The Nike+ Human Race 10K started last year when Nike decided to launch a global initiative to provide running enthusiasts with an unparalleled running experience by combining their love for music and a scenic 10km route in 26 major cities around the world. The post-race concert this year will consist of top bands from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines to provide great entertainment for runners who have just completed their 10km run on a Saturday morning.

Singapore is once again the only Southeast Asian city selected to host the event, amongst 30 major cities worldwide. For more information on the Nike+ Human Race 10K, please log on to www.nikeplus.com.sg.