Curran is a Nike spokesman and paid by the company.

The giant company has annual retail sales of more than $2 billion, said a Nike spokesman.

Melissa Schumer, a Nike spokesman, said the company was unaware of that offer.

Last night a Nike spokesman said: 'Even the greatest athletes have off days.'

Dave Mingey, another Nike spokesman, said the campaign was not meant to subvert the marathon in any way.

A Nike spokesman said he had no further comment.

"Give it some time," said Dean Stoyer, a Nike spokesman.

A call to a Nike spokesman was not returned yesterday.

"We believe that we look after the interests of our workers," said Vada Manager, a Nike spokesman.

I asked a Nike spokesman if he knew what the minimum wage was there.