Iconic Melbourne running festival gains a foothold with new Presenting Partner ASICS

MEDIA RELEASE

MAY 2022

Run Melbourne and leading sports performance brand, ASICS have joined forces this year to deliver the return of Melburnian’s favourite winter running festival on Sunday 24 July, launching the start of an exciting five-year partnership. ASICS will be presenting partner of Run Melbourne until 2026 race events, offering official merchandise and footwear for participants taking part in the 5.5K, 10K or Half Marathon (21.1K).

The new partnership brings together the best of Melbourne’s winter running with a leading performance brand to celebrate the joy of running in Australia’s premier sports city, encouraging runners to take part, raise funds and get excited as they look to level up their performance.

“ASICS was founded on the positive power of sport and movement, that it can uplift us individually and as a community. As increasing numbers of Australians take up running to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, ASICS is excited to affirm our running heritage and extend our partnership with Run Melbourne – one of Australia’s leading running events. We look forward to joining runners of all abilities on Race Day and celebrating the positive uplift that the event will bring to Melbourne,” said Simone Bushnell, General Manager Marketing ASICS Oceania.

Data from ASICS’ RunKeeper app has revealed peaks in registrations over the past two years; Melburnians have picked up running with the number of weekly active runners more than doubling since the beginning of 2019. Run Melbourne will be the perfect way for participants to keep up their new routine and will provide the opportunity to show their passion for charities while they strive to achieve new fitness and fundraising goals.

The CEO of Sole Motive, powering Run Melbourne since 2008, Lisa Holmes, said “we are thrilled to have ASICS on board as a presenting partner of Run Melbourne. Our event is set to be bigger and better this year and ASICS’ role as a partner will only enhance the essence of Run Melbourne. We are blown away by the commitment and persistence our running community continue to show. Their fundraising efforts are greatly appreciated as we look to hit our fundraising target of $1 million and we can’t wait to deliver a day of endless entertainment.”

Alongside its new partnership, Run Melbourne 2022 will kick off at its brand new home in Melbourne Olympic Park at Grand Slam Oval. Regardless of running ability, participants can join in to achieve their own goals to either raise as much money as possible, beat a personal best or keep active and warm this winter while running through the streets of Melbourne.

To get involved by registering or donating, visit runmelbourne.com.au. For more information about ASICS, visit asics.com/au.

@runmelbourne, @solemotive, #RunMelbourne2022, #JoinTheMovement, #InspiringACityToRun

For more information on Run Melbourne 2022, please contact:

Jess Tew Cassette PR 0402 542 137 jess.t@cassette.com.au

Mietta Orvad Cassette PR 0439 986 576 mietta@cassette.com.au