ASICS Unveiled as Official Partner of Bupa Great Run Series

ASICS was unveiled as the official sportswear and running shoe partner of the Bupa Great Run Series yesterday, June 14, through a three-year sponsorship package.

The agreement will see ASICS, the market leader in the performance running footwear market, partner with the world’s biggest running programme, displaying, promoting and selling  products at some of the largest running events in the UK.

In addition ASICS will create a dedicated area on the Great Run website to give product and training advice for runners. The sponsorship is part of the brand’s increased marketing investment in 2011, which has seen ASICS’ first UK television spots supplemented with increased advertising investment in the sports sections of national press, specialist vertical press and large scale activity in national premium gym chains.

The Great Run Series is the latest addition to ASICS’ sponsorship portfolio of some of the biggest running events in the world – including the Paris, New York, Rome and Tokyo marathons.

ASICS Managing Director UK & Ireland, Barry Mellis, said: “This partnership with the Great Run Series will cement ASICS’ position as the runner’s choice in the UK. The Great Run Series events are extremely popular with experienced and novice runners alike and our expertise in producing the most advanced running shoes and apparel make this an ideal match.”

The most notable races in the 10 race series include the Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon, the Great South Run which is the UK’s biggest 10 mile event with 25,000 participants and the Great Manchester Run and the Great City Games which both take place in Manchester city centre on May 15, 2011.

Nicky Homes, Commercial Director, Great Run Series added: “ASICS is a perfect fit with the Great Run Series, we are looking forward to continuing the success of the race events with a partner that has runners at the front of mind at all times.”