In my initial toss up guess of the new brand sponsor for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, I speculated it was between Puma and Asics, given how strong their marketing and community efforts has been. My money was on Asics (shamelessly biased since I started using their running shoes last year)
And it is official!
Following the official launch of KLSCM 2025, Asics is proud to announce it is the official apparel & footwear partner of the nation’s largest race event. Additionally, the half marathon category will be renamed Asics Half Marathon.
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| Boon Tib Soom Nik, Country Manager of Asics Malaysia |
From this humble runner's perspective, this partnership makes sense as Asics has been involved with many major races and events around the world ie Tokyo Marathon, Sydney Marathon and the 2024 Olympics. In Malaysia alone, their running club, Asics Running Club (ARC) is easily one of the biggest in the Klang Valley, hosted in UM Arena. Their Superblast model has been an instant favourite amongst runners, always selling out as soon as they released.
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| ARC 16 April - Can you spot me? |
Needless to say, Asics is as well-known a name in the running community here as KLSCM is.
Yogesh Gandhi, Managing Director of Asics Asia echoes these sentiments, "This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. As a brand at the forefront of the running world, joining forces with a leading marathon organization is a strategic move that deepens our commitment to the sport and strengthens our running ecosystem. Together, we're not only pushing boundaries — we're redefining standards and enhancing the running experience for runners of all levels."
Does this mean Asics will be sponsoring the finisher tee for the half marathon?
For those asking if there will be a finisher shirt for the Asics half marathon category of KLSCM, I have confirmation from race director Rainer Biemans that there will be no half marathon finisher shirt.
To quote Rainer during the press conference, "For every half marathoner who wants a finisher tee, you have another 4-5 months to train for the full marathon. So sign up for the full and hopefully you will get the finisher tee."
To get runners for the big day, Asics is rolling out a series of initiatives and benefits to elevate the overall experience for all participants. These include:
1. Exclusive perks and access for OneASICS™ members:
- Exclusive KLSCM gear-up discount vouchers and priority/exclusive access to Asics products and activities.
- Sign up here.
2. Personalised training plan:
- Free trial access to Runkeeper Go™, Asics’ premium training app for personalised training, tailored motivation, and in-depth insights to help reach your goals.
2. Personalised training plan:
- Free trial access to Runkeeper Go™, Asics’ premium training app for personalised training, tailored motivation, and in-depth insights to help reach your goals.
3. Run for Rewards programme:
- Track your training on Runkeeper™ to earn additional incentives to your next purchase and win monthly giveaways including a trip to Asics Regional META : Time : Trials Thailand 2025.
4. Physical training workshops:
- Collaboration with expert-led KLSCM running clubs as well as the weekly ASICS Running Club training sessions.
Beyond performance, ASICS is also exploring the launch of exclusive race-themed merchandise, with its regional product team developing special edition items that celebrate the spirit of the marathon. (Limited edition KLSCM Novablast 5/ Kayano 31??)
- Track your training on Runkeeper™ to earn additional incentives to your next purchase and win monthly giveaways including a trip to Asics Regional META : Time : Trials Thailand 2025.
4. Physical training workshops:
- Collaboration with expert-led KLSCM running clubs as well as the weekly ASICS Running Club training sessions.
Beyond performance, ASICS is also exploring the launch of exclusive race-themed merchandise, with its regional product team developing special edition items that celebrate the spirit of the marathon. (Limited edition KLSCM Novablast 5/ Kayano 31??)
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| Novablast 5 - Tokyo Marathon edition |
Inspiring the Next Generation
“This partnership is more than just a race. It’s about igniting a movement,” Boon Tib Soom Nik, Country Manager of Asics Malaysia added. “We want to inspire more Malaysians — especially youth — to lace up, take that first step, and discover what they’re capable of, physically and mentally.”
With this new chapter, Asics Malaysia is setting the pace for what promises to be an exciting few months with plenty of activities planned out for all participants.
KLSCM 2025 is set to happen at the details below:
Date: 4-5 October 2025
Starting line: tbc
Finish line: Stadium Merdeka
Sign up here: https://www.kl-marathon.com/
To find out more about ASICS and the latest running footwear and apparels, please visit ASICS.COM
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