On August 31, 2008, Nike will sponsor the largest race in the world. In 25 locations across the globe participants can race in the 10k marathon in the most recognized cities in the world. Each city picked a route that would showcase its famous sites and give runners a more enjoyable experience.

In America there will be five sites: Austin, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles California; Portland, Oregon; and New York City, New York. After the race has concluded, each city will have a concert featuring the likes of Ben Harper, Fall Out Boy, Kanye West, Nada Surf and The All-American Rejects.

Cycling champion and cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, will participate in the race and has been active in promoting it; a part of the $35 registration fee will go towards the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Part of the proceeds will also go to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the UN refugee agency. The WWF promotes global conservation and ways to promote the environment, while the UN refugee agency helps provide education to refugees.

In order to accommodate those who are unable to participate at one of the 25 locations, Nike will allow people to use its Nike+ SportBand to track miles. The SportBand also tracks a runner’s heartbeat, speed, distance and other information. After registering at nikeplus.com, runners can run the 10k and post their distance and time at nikeplus.com.

Ultimately the goal of the race is to promote running, health and fun racing.

“Nike is a company built by runners…running is in our DNA. The Human Race extends the spirit of global competition that we see in the Olympics,” Nike spokeswoman Cindy Hamilton said.

The race will be a great launching pad for veterans of racing and newcomers alike to enjoy everything that running has to offer.