New Balance Pokes Fun at Running Clichés with 'A Commercial about Speed'

LA-based creative and production agency The Rec League is behind a new global campaign for New Balance to promote the athletic brand’s FuelCell Propel and Rebel running shoes. 

The campaign represents a new marketing strategy for New Balance, both from a creative standpoint and in the way its athletes are showcased. The campaign pokes fun at typical advertising running clichés and shows why you don’t need long manifestos or fancy speed metaphors to know that New Balance’s athletes are fast. The message is simple: Don’t just talk about being fast; go out and be fast.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a two-minute anthem film featuring five of New Balance’s top athletes and pro runners: Sydney McLaughlin, Trayvon Bromell, Boris Berian, Cory McGee and Kendall Ellis. Bold, irreverent and fun, the film utilises creative editing techniques, special effects and retro touches to make its point, often in a tongue-in-cheek way. 

“We wanted to stay authentic to both our New Balance athletes and everyday runners, and not fall into the same creative space that much of speed marketing tends to live,” said Jack Jensen, head of creative at The Rec League. “New Balance is not afraid to have its own voice and stance, and its pro athletes are no different. We don’t need to sell you on how fast Sydney McLaughlin or Trayvon Bromell is; you already know they are. And we don’t need to tell you to be fast; be fast.”

In addition to the anthem film, the campaign will include individual athlete films, OOH, in-store and social content to follow in July and run throughout the summer. The global effort will run in North America, Europe, Asia, APAC and Latin America.