The ASICS World Ekiden 2020 is positioned as a new virtual running format unlike any other, presenting runners with the unique opportunity to run together while remaining socially distant. For most athletes, the healthy competition and adrenaline rush that comes from participating in races is a driving force for goal-setting while training. However, the cancellation of this year's major running events has created a disconnect in the running community, with some struggling to find the motivation to continue to train.
The ASICS World Ekiden 2020 was created in direct response to this, offering a pandemic-friendly solution that builds community from a distance. Participants are invited to form teams of up to six athletes who will join forces to complete a relay-style marathon. Each member is responsible for completing a leg of the route, passing the virtual baton onto the next runner until the final teammate crosses the virtual finish line.
Image Credit: ASICS
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Virtual Relay-style Marathons
- Provides pandemic-friendly solutions that build community from a distance.
- Socially-distant Running Events
- Offers a new virtual running format unlike any other, allowing individuals to run together while remaining socially distant.
- Remote Fitness Challenges
- Encourages goal-setting and community-building opportunities through remote fitness challenges.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Sporting Goods
- Provides an opportunity for the sporting goods industry to create virtual fitness events and innovative tech to enhance the experience.
- Event Planning
- Creates a new way for event planners to present virtual race events and promote social distancing while still bringing in revenue.
- Fitness Tech
- Opens up opportunities for the fitness tech industry to create new devices and apps catering to remote and socially distant fitness events.
