The ASICS Paris Festival of Running, an event held in the vibrant city of Paris, concluded with remarkable achievements, including three national records and an impressive tally of 20 personal bests shattered by participating athletes.
The newly launched ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris running shoe has got off to a flying start and it’s clear that this is one of the fastest running shoes on the market right now. This can be said after the ASICS Paris Festival of Running event took place this weekend.
A Showcase of Elite Talent
The event spotlighted over 100 elite athletes who gathered in Paris, turning the city into a running arena. The races, which included both 5km and 10km distances, showcased the talents of runners from around the globe, with Ethiopian athletes particularly standing out.
Likina Amebaw emerged as the victor in the mixed 10km race, setting a personal record with a time of 29:56, surpassing her previous best by a significant margin. Her compatriot, Jemal Yimer, clinched victory in the men’s 10km, matching his personal best of 27:43.
Hagos Gebrhiwet and Caroline Nyaga took home wins in the men’s and mixed 5km races, respectively, further highlighting the event’s competitive spirit.
National Records and Personal Achievements
The festival was not just about the individual victories but also about the broader achievements within the sport. Athletes set three new national records and achieved 20 personal bests, underscoring the event’s status as a World Athletics sanctioned speed race.
Highlights included Mohamed Ismael of Djibouti breaking his national 5km record and Nadia Battocletti of Italy setting a new national benchmark in the 10km, along with other remarkable performances that underscored the athletes’ dedication and prowess.
The Parisian Backdrop
The races took place against the picturesque setting of Paris, starting and finishing at the iconic Palais Royal. The course through the city streets offered both athletes and spectators a unique experience, contributing to the festival’s ambiance and excitement.
This setting, combined with the gathering of running enthusiasts and local running groups, added a communal spirit to the competitive event.
Innovation in Running Gear
A significant factor in the athletes’ success was ASICS’ introduction of the METASPEED™ PARIS series, including the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS shoes.
These shoes represent the culmination of advanced technology and design efforts aimed at helping runners achieve their personal bests. The ASICS Institute of Sport Science played a pivotal role in their development, ensuring that the shoes meet the high standards of the world’s elite runners.
Looking Forward
The ASICS Paris Festival of Running set a high bar for future events, with its combination of competitive achievements, innovative technology, and community spirit. The festival not only celebrated the achievements of the moment but also looked forward to the future of running, promising more exciting developments and events in the years to come.
For a full recap of the races and to witness the thrilling moments of competition, fans are encouraged to revisit the live stream available online.
Men’s 10km
Jemal Yimer | Ethiopia | 27:43 |
Hillary Kipkoech | Kenya | 27:44 |
Vincent Kibet | Kenya | 27:48 |
Etienne Daguinos | France | 28:09 (PB) |
Eduardo Menacho | Spain | 28:10 (PB) |
Women’s 10km
Likina Amebaw | Ethiopia | 29:56 (PB) |
Loice Chemnung | Kenya | 29:57 (PB) |
Miriam Chebet | Kenya | 30:41 |
Nadia Battocletti | Italy | 31:19 (NR) |
Kidsan Alema | Ethiopia | 31:42 (PB) |
Men’s 5km
Hagos Gebrhiwet | Ethiopia | 13:24 |
Mohamed Ismael | Djibouti | 13:32 (NR) |
Adel Mechaal | Spain | 13:34 |
Abdi Waiss | Djibouti | 13:38 |
Felix Bour | France | 13:39 |
Women’s 5km
Caroline Nyaga | Kenya | 14:40 |
Joy Cheptoyek | Uganda | 15:03 |
Belinda Chemutai | Uganda | 15:05 |
Sara Nestola | Italy | 15:43 (PB) |
Martyna Galant | Poland | 15:48 (PB) |