Breaking Barriers? A Critical Comparative Discourse Analysis of Nike’s Breaking2 and Breaking4 Running Events

Shannon Scovel, Ted Butryn, Scott Greeves, Anna Posbergh, College of Communication , University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Department of Kinesiology, San Jose State University, San Jose, Center for Resilient Communities, University of Idaho, Department of Recreation, University of Illinois-Champaign

Communication & Sport

Published online on July 24, 2026

Abstract

Communication & Sport, Ahead of Print.
In 2017, Nike sponsored “Breaking2”: an orchestrated race, centered around Eliud Kipchoge’s efforts to break the 2-hour barrier in the marathon. Eight years later, Nike produced “Breaking4,” wherein Faith Kipyegon attempted to become the first woman to ...