ASICS Confirmed as Official Sports Brand and Training Partner for Manchester Half Marathon

Organisers of the Manchester Half Marathon have confirmed global sports brand ASICS as Official Sports Brand and Training Partner for the inaugural race on Sunday 16^th October 2016.

At the forefront of the performance sports market, ASICS is a market leader in running shoes and its clothing and footwear are much loved by runners across the world. With the company’s belief that sport is the best way to create a happy and healthy lifestyle – its very name meaning ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’ – the brand is a perfect match for the Manchester Half Marathon which is bringing a new race distance to Manchester this autumn.

In its role as Official Training Partner for the Manchester Half Marathon, ASICS will be providing useful tools like the MY ASICS online training programme, which offers a host of expertise, advice and training plans to help runners prepare for race day.

To make sure they achieve their running goals in Manchester, runners can set up individual training plans for their chosen distance, log their runs and share their progress with other runners via the MY ASICS Facebook app – a timeline filled with tips and support to keep runners motivated from start to finish. The free app is available on smart devices here.

ASICS will be present in the race village at the Manchester Half Marathon, offering free gait analysis and giving advice on all ASICS products and services. ASICS will also promote the Manchester Half Marathon through its channels, attracting a wider audience to the city’s highly anticipated 13.1-mile race.

ASICS joins other high profile names including Intersport and HIGH5 in lending strong support to the very first Manchester Half Marathon. With 12,000 places available for the 2016 race, the organisers are reporting that entries are selling fast and they are expecting a fantastic turnout for its autumn debut.

The Manchester Half Marathon promises to be one of the UK’s flattest and fastest half marathons, with only 41m elevation gain and a 2 mile+ finish straight – making it ideal for first time marathon runners and a real opportunity for professional athletes to achieve a PB.

The race starts and finishes at Emirates Old Trafford Lancashire County Cricket Club, the same venue as the popular ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, and the organisers are promising plenty of entertainment and outstanding crowd support.

Race Director Simon Hill commented, “We are delighted to welcome ASICS as our Official Sports Brand and Training Partner for the inaugural Manchester Half Marathon. With the brand’s unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the sports industry, specifically running, ASICS is all set to help runners hit their target times on race day. With their brilliant MY ASICS app and presence in the race village on the day, runners can look forward to the support of this top sporting brand every step of the way. 

“With less than two months until race day, the Manchester Half Marathon is selling fantastically. We would encourage anyone hoping to be on the start line to secure their place soon.” 

ASICS UK Marketing Manager, Cathy McGinnis, commented: “ASICS is thrilled to support the Manchester Half Marathon, which is a positive new addition to the UK running calendar. We are looking forward to being involved in a day of sporting greatness and to supporting runners in their journey.”

The Manchester Half Marathon is supporting three National Charity Partners: Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation and Save the Children. The two Local Charity Partners are The Christie and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH).

A total of 12,000 places are available for the Manchester Half Marathon 2016. Entries are open and runners can sign up at the race’s website which includes links to the official charities.

Go to http://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com for further race details and to register now, like the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/manchesterhalfmarathon and follow @manchesterhalf #ManchesterHalf #NOWWERUN on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest news.