IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the title sponsor of the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, ASICS America will pay tribute to the sport of running as it brings Los Angeles together, making every marathoner feel like a star on race day. With more than 459,570 official finishers since the first race in 1986 and more than 24,000 runners competing on the Stadium to Sea course this year, the entire city of Los Angeles buzzes with excitement on race day to support the competitors and the running community. Leading up to race day, ASICS will bring the marathon spirit to every boulevard of the city with its “We Are Marathoners” campaign which showcases a mobile treadmill challenge set at the pace of the LA Marathon course record, a limited edition ASICS Los Angeles Marathon commemorative footwear and apparel collection, and the virtual cheering zone, “Support Your Marathoner.”
“Race day in any city is one of the most memorable days of the year, especially in Los Angeles, where the city comes to life to commemorate the history of this iconic marathon and those that better their best by running year after year,” said ASICS America CEO Kevin Wulff. “As a true sports performance brand, we are honored to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of all the Los Angeles marathoners. From first timers to veterans and legacy runners, all are an inspiration to the running community and we are looking forward to cheering them on during race day.”
LA Marathon, A Legacy of Running
In 1986, 10,787 registrants ran the first Los Angeles Marathon. On March 9, 2014, 185 of the inaugural runners will cross the finish line to celebrate their 29th Los Angeles Marathon. They are the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon Legacy Runners and they have completed every single LA Marathon since the first race and they strive to continue their streak this year. These 185 runners have shown commendable, unbridled commitment to the sport of running and have the stories to show for it. To support their efforts and celebrate the history of the race, ASICS America will create the ASICS LA Marathon Legacy Runners Exhibit, telling their stories and showcasing memorabilia from past races.
The ASICS LA Marathon Legacy Runners Exhibit will travel around the city with the ASICS LA Marathon treadmill, allowing the entire community a chance to learn about the accomplishments of the Legacy Runners and the history of the race. Legacy Runner John Butcher is also featured on a larger than life wallscape on Sunset Boulevard and N. Olive drive, honoring his story and all 185 Legacy Runners.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Race fans have the chance to test their speed against a champion marathoner's pace by taking the ASICS LA Marathon treadmill challenge. The one-of-a-kind custom-built treadmill with a safety harness runs at only one speed, the LA Marathon course record of 2:06:35, which equates to a 4:50 mile. Leading up to race day, the treadmill will tour Los Angeles bringing the marathon experience to life with a real-time leader board. Fans are challenged to see how long they can keep up while they compete for the record and register to win free ASICS gear.
To view the ASICS LA Marathon treadmill challenge schedule, go to http://www.asicsamerica.com/lamarathon.
For the duration of the treadmill challenge, ASICS America will donate $5 for every minute logged on the treadmill challenge, up to $26,200, to Back On My Feet. Back On My Feet is a national for-purpose organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves, enabling them to make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living.
A Star is Born with the ASICS GEL-Lyte33™ 3 LA Marathon Shoe
To help runners fly through the course, ASICS has given its bestselling lightweight natural running shoe, the GEL-Lyte33™ 3, a Hollywood makeover to become part of the ASICS LA Marathon Collection. Released in limited edition, the ASICS GEL-Lyte33™ 3 features bright colorways, marathon markings and vibrant palm trees to commemorate the sunny beaches and open boulevards of the 2014 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon course.
In addition to the signature shoes, ASICS has developed a head-to-toe limited edition apparel and accessories collection for this year’s marathon. The apparel line features a variety of bestselling tech tees and shorts all bearing the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon logo. The line will also feature a fun collection of graphic tees to help commemorate the city and the race. To complement its marathon apparel, ASICS’ accessories line features everything from visors to gloves, performance socks and bags.
ASICS limited edition marathon collection will be available for sale at select retailers in Los Angeles, at the ASICS Los Angeles Health and Fitness Expo, and is currently available online at http://www.asicsamerica.com/lamarathon.
ASICS Brings Back Support Your Marathoner
ASICS is helping fans from near and far cheer on friends and family running the LA Marathon with its award-winning “Support Your Marathoner” back in LA for a second year. Be a part of the Los Angeles community on race day by logging on to the Support Your Marathoner website to upload a motivational video or picture to be delivered directly to competitors on screens throughout the course.
Marathon runners can also update fans and supporters along the way with pre-written posts sent out in real time from various points throughout the 26.2 mile course. SupportYourMarathoner.com is now live and available for family and friends to share messages of love and encouragement.
The 2014 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon activities kicked off with the Treadmill premiere in Newport Beach at Fashion Island on February 22. Additionally, the brand will showcase the “We Are Marathoners” message across city buses and at retail locations around the city. Please visit ASICSAmerica.com or SupportYourMarathoner.com for further information on all activities surrounding race day.
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