[NOVEMBER 15, 2022 – INDIA] – ASICS is today inviting teams of up to six runners to sign up to compete in the ASICS World Ekiden 2022, as the race returns for its third successive year. Taking its inspiration from Japanese running culture, the ASICS World Ekiden challenges teams to complete a marathon distance over the course of six legs of varying distances from 5 – 10km. Teams must pass their digital tasuki – the narrow band of fabric used traditionally in Ekidens – from one leg to the next, working together in the true spirit of Ekiden for the team to succeed.
Free for everyone and open to all, the ASICS World Ekiden welcomes participants of all levels and abilities, making it accessible to anyone from anywhere around the world to experience and embrace the competition. The race returns following a hugely successful opening two years for the event which has so far brought together a combined 96,000 runners from around the world. Between them, they’ve covered over 475,000 kilometres – equivalent to almost twelve laps of the earth’s circumference!
What’s more, the participation of legendary former and current athletes has become a staple of the ASICS World Ekiden. Renowned athletes including T Gopi, Yuki Kawauchi, Emma Bates, Beth Potter and Koen Naert have all been featured as part of teams taking on the challenge of Ekiden in previous years. With a number of elite athletes taking part this year, there’s no better opportunity to compete with and alongside some of the best runners in the world.
The race uses the ASICS Runkeeper™ app to help participants form their team, stay connected through training inspiration, and track their race progress via a live online leaderboard to see how they rank among fellow participants across a range of categories. Runners can also share their Ekiden journeys and be a part of the conversation using the #ASICSWorldEkiden.
Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia said: “We at ASICS are thrilled to announce the third edition of ASICS World Ekiden 2022. It’s been an honour to spread the running culture around the world, and witnessing runners embrace Ekiden’s characteristics of camaraderie and devotion is extremely inspiring. ASICS’ Ekiden initiative aims to provide the finest experience for all fitness/running enthusiasts, with a focus on producing the uplifting effect of movement on the mind as well as the body. Since Individuals have begun to migrate outdoors for training and exercise life before, and we have noticed a significant rise in registrations. We are delighted to see athletes from all over the country/ world join and become a part of our family. I wish each and every participant the best of luck!”
How to sign up
1. REGISTER FOR FREE
Captain an Ekiden team of up to six runners. Each teammate will run between 5K and 10K, together completing a combined marathon distance.
2. TRAIN & TRACK
Working together is the key to the Ekiden relay. The ASICS Runkeeper™ app will help you collaborate with your team on challenges and training plans.
3. RUN THE RACE
Log your leg of the race in the ASICS Runkeeper™ app between 10-22 November. Work hard and run fast as you pass the virtual tasuki from one teammate to the next.
4. CELEBRATE & SHARE
Share your team’s results with friends and family on social using #ASICSWorldEkiden.
