Nike ACG Announces Rivian as Ultrarunning Off-Grid Support Partner

Throughout its history, NIKE, Inc. has consistently proven that it's a company committed to innovation. To achieve new technology and gear that'll help athletes* perform at their best, the brand has had to disrupt existing norms on more than one occasion. The newly-announced partnership between Nike ACG and Rivian continues this trend.

Ahead of the Siskiyou Out Back (SOB) Trail Running Festival in Ashland, Oregon, the Swoosh's All Conditions Gear team has shared that Rivian will provide off-grid support to racers between July 10-12. The California-based automotive company has transformed its all-electric vehciles—including the R1T, R2, and R1S—into the Ultimate Aid Station for Nike ACG; the fleet of purpose-built Rivian vehicles aim to help runners navigate wild conditions, remain safe, and push the limits of what they're capable of.

Each SUV and truck is designed to work together as one integrated support system for athletes, providing the following services:

• R2 Misting Station: A thermal reset that begins with an immediate physical reset. As runners arrive, they pass through a misting lane (a "cool corridor") designed to drop body temperature without breaking stride. Overhead, a canopy designed with Nike ACG Radical AirFlow fabric provides shade while enhancing overall cooling performance.
• R1T Recharge Truck: Serving as a hub for the support system, this outfitted vehicle delivers a carefully-considered design that ensures every corner and storage space services runners swiftly. The central truck sees an Integrated Slushie System, Gear Tunnel Shuttle, Front Trunk Ice Bin, and aforementioned Nike ACG Radical AirFlow Canopy.

• R1S First Aid: A mobile care unit offers blister-relief, cold compresses, and nausea support to ensure runners can continue racing safely.
• R1T Hot Fuel: This station delivers substantial, easy to grab, eat, and digest sustenance—freshly-made, warm pancakes. Powered by the Rivian Travel Kitchen.
• R1T DJ Rig: The electric truck "transforms into a fully self-powered stage, using the vehicle's onboard energy to blend sound, light, and nature into an authentic off-grid music experience," as described by Nike. The intention is to energize runners to continue giving their best on the trail.
• R1T Ice Vehicle: Dometic 65L coolers are integrated into two dedicated runner transport vehicles, ensuring a constant, high-volume flow of ice between staging areas and the Ultimate Aid Station.

Nike ACG's partnership with Rivian, then, is a complete ecosystem of nourishment, care, and momentum in some of the most-grueling, remote running courses.

"Our mission is to support athletes in pursuing truly wild, inspiring goals by helping them thrive in all conditions," shared Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Senior Director of Sustainable Product Design at Nike. "We meet their needs through innovation, design, and unmistakable attitude. Together with Rivian, we were inspired by the voice of the athlete to take on the most critical issues trail runners face out in the wild — from managing heat and staying hydrated to refueling and finding the energy and moral support to keep moving when conditions are at their toughest."

Jeff Hammoud, Chief Design Officer at Rivian, echoed a similar message about supporting runners through carefully-considered design: "At Rivian, we design vehicles to be purpose-built for the wild, which opened up so many creative possibilities for how we could support these runners. This collaboration challenged us to look beyond a single vehicle and design a collective, responsive system. Combining our trail-ready vehicles with ACG’s deep athlete insights allowed us to create an aid station that is as inspiring, motivating, and fun as it is functional."

The Ultimate Aid Station by Nike ACG and Rivian debuts out in the wild this weekend at the Siskiyou Out Back Trail Running Festival.

*Nike says, "If you have a body, you are an athlete."