JAPANESE SPORTSWEAR BRAND ASICS has announced the ASICS Ekiden India 2026 in partnership with Sony India and with support from the Embassy of Japan in India. Inspired by Ekiden, a traditional long-distance relay race, ASICS aims to bring its ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ philosophy to life through a running movement that celebrates endurance, connection and everyday wellbeing.
The event will also feature major Japanese conglomerates, including POCARI SWEAT, Pigeon and Fujifilm, as partners. Aligned with ASICS’ vision of community-driven initiatives, these collaborations are set to enhance the event’s ambition of delivering a premium, immersive and culturally rich experience for both participants and spectators.
Scheduled for 5 April at DLF CyberHub in Gurugram, ASICS Ekiden India will see teams of four runners comprising Indian and Japanese participants collectively cover a distance of 10 kilometres. Runners will pass the traditional Tasuki sash, symbolising trust, continuity and shared purpose. Through this unique relay format, ASICS continues to strengthen India’s running ecosystem while celebrating its deep-rooted Japanese heritage, according to the media release.
To complement the event, ASICS India has introduced an exclusive ASICS Ekiden Pack, part of the ASICS BLAST Series and the MAGIC SPEED 5 featuring METASPEED CUD technology. Blending Japanese design sensibilities with high-performance engineering, the Ekiden Pack combines style, storytelling and technical innovation for India’s growing running community.
ASICS India and South Asia managing director Rajat Khurana said, “Over the past few years, India has witnessed an unprecedented rise in recreational running with running communities and fitness-led lifestyles growing rapidly across metros and emerging cities. Events like the Mumbai and Delhi Marathons now see tens of thousands of runners every year, reflecting how deeply running has embedded itself into urban culture. Indian consumers today are increasingly inclined to experience global culture and trends and there is a growing appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship whether in sport, design or everyday life. Ekiden sits at the intersection of these two movements. By bringing this iconic relay format to India, we are creating a platform that celebrates teamwork, cultural exchange and holistic wellbeing, staying true to our philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’.”
