While uploading my Nike+ data the other day, I came across an invitation for female Nike+ participants to join in what Nike is calling a “virtual marathon.” The basic premise is this: get participants to sign up for a half-marathon just like you normally would, complete with registration fees, a cause, timing and the like, except this marathon would not be executed in a specific city or on a specific course.

Marathon participants are required to, on the day of the “race,” simply run their own 13.1 mile course and upload their data using their Nike+ system via Apple’s iTunes; all proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is one of the most innovative ways of fund raising and promotions I have ever seen.

Props to Nike and their PR agency for coming up with this concept. Once the dust has settled on trails around the globe, data has been uploaded and the funds calculated, we will see whether this proves to be a success for Nike.

My guess is that you should dust off those running shoes and start training for a virtual marathon that suits your particular cause. Who knows what other virtual brand experiences will come from Nike and other brands if this catches on.