As the ASICS Festival of Running swept through Paris, the city was treated to an incredible exhibition of agility as the streets were lit up with unprecedented speed and endurance. This inaugural event, which drew over a hundred athletes from around the world, was historic for the competitive running community.
The excitement kicked off on Friday evening with elite races spanning 5km and 10km, drawing the likes of renowned athletes including Eilish McColgan, Adel Mechaal, and Nadia Battocletti. Against the backdrop of Parisian landmarks, competitors lined up at the starting point, poised to push the boundaries of their performance on a course renowned for its speed.
The 2.5km racecourse, looping from and back to Palais Royal, witnessed the shattering of three national records and the celebration of 20 personal bests, all officially recognized by World Athletics.
Among the standout performances was Nadia Battocletti’s triumph, as she set a new Italian record in the 10km category with a stellar time of 31:19. Battocletti attributed her success to the race’s role in her recovery from injury, expressing gratitude for the strength it provided.
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Mohamed Ismael of Djibouti also left his mark, surpassing his own national record in the 5km race by two seconds, clocking in at 13:32. Meanwhile, Julia Mayer of Austria and Cam Levins of Canada added to the spectacle, with Mayer claiming the 10km record at 32:28 and Levins equaling the Canadian men’s 10km record with an impressive 28:11.
The competition intensified in the 10km race, with Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia seizing victory in the men’s category, matching his personal best with a time of 27:43. In the women’s race, Likina Amebaw of Ethiopia clinched gold in a thrilling finish, while Loice Chemnung and Miriam Chebet of Kenya secured second and third place, respectively.
Eilish McColgan made a triumphant return to competitive running, serving as a pacer in the 10km race after battling a long-term injury, adding to the evening’s excitement.
The ASICS Festival of Running continued to captivate on Saturday morning with a marathon shake-out run and mini marathon events for children, building anticipation for the climax of the weekend – the Paris Marathon on Sunday, where ASICS’ Cheer Zone at Place du Trocadéro promises to inspire participants and spectators alike.
Olivier Mignon, Director of Sports Marketing at ASICS Global, praised the Festival of Running as a testament to the sport’s unifying power, celebrating the remarkable achievements of athletes and reaffirming ASICS’ commitment to uplifting the running community.
In a city renowned for its beauty and charm, the ASICS Festival of Running illuminated Paris with a dazzling showcase of athletic prowess, setting the stage for an exhilarating year ahead in the world of running.
