Festival of Running: ASICS Empowers its Athletes to Shine

In addition to the iconic Paris Marathon of which it is a partner, ASICS is creating a buzz at the 2024 edition by organizing a world-class elite race on Friday night for its elite athletes, consisting of 10- and five-kilometre races. The goal is to bring together its best runners from across the world to put on a show of speed in the heart of the French capital.

One could not dream of a better way to elevate the Paris Marathon in this Olympic year. Starting and finishing at Palais Royal, the ASICS Speed Race will be supported by thousands of spectators aiming to catch a glimpse on the incredible racing action. The unique night-race format promises to deliver a truly unique spectacle for all watching.

Reserved for the best professional runners sponsored by ASICS, the ASICS Speed Race sets the tone for the three days of celebration and achievement at the Paris Festival of Running – a three-day celebration of running in the French capital organised by ASICS. For all the champions present, just a few months before the start of the Olympic Games in the same city, the ASICS Speed Race is the perfect opportunity to test themselves against each other.

ASICS is bringing over 100 of its best athletes from across the world to Paris for this race, which will be broadcast live from 7PM CET. Among these athletes, French triathlete Leo Bergere, world champion in short-distance triathlon in 2022, will be one of the headliners. Suffice to say that the Frenchman has ambitions on the 10 kilometers where he is competing.

“Of course, I will give my maximum,” he declares in the preamble. “I think it’s an incredible opportunity for many athletes to improve their personal best or even qualify for the Olympic Games.

“But for me, it’s not so much about winning as it is about knowing where I am in my preparation while having a great time with my team-mates at ASICS.”

At home, and with the Olympics in sight, the Frenchman predicts “an electric atmosphere that will boost both athletes and spectators” during this ASICS Speed Race.

The history-steeped course of these races only adds to the motivation of the competitors.

“The route is iconic and I hope that many Parisians and running fans will come to cheer us on,” concludes Bergere. A wish echoed by another middle-distance star, Italian Nadia Battocletti, her country’s record holder over 5km and who is aiming for the national record over 10km in Paris: Battocletti said: “It always helps to have a crowd cheering you on and wanting you to win. It always gives you that little extra bit of energy you need.”

Eddy Ferhi, marketing director France for the brand, does not hide his satisfaction at the idea of seeing the world’s best middle-distance runners flock to the streets of Paris.

“2024 is obviously a very-important year in the world of running and we are extremely grateful to all these ASICS athletes who have agreed to come and participate in these sprint races in Paris,” Ferhi. “We can’t wait to see them race on Friday, push their limits and chase their personal bests.”

These two exceptional races are part of ASICS’ Festival of Running – a three-day celebration of running that breaks the mould and is aimed at all running enthusiasts, whether they are professionals or amateurs. A philosophy that is reflected both in the acronym ASICS, whose each letter forms the famous Roman motto “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” (A sound mind in a sound body) and in the very organisation of this festival, which aims to meet all needs and desires. To ignite, excite and inspire. These are the watchwords.

All of this, of course, in the prestigious setting of the monuments of Paris. Thus, on the second day, which will be the day of the race dedicated to Paris Run for All, the competitors “will start from the Palais Royal and cross the finish line at the Ecole Militaire,” said Ferhi, who is also looking forward to the “live music, entertainment and positive energy” that will accompany this race and will enhance the atmosphere of the city through movement.