The partnership will connect ASICS with Chennai’s established running community through the marathon, while ARC will build a year-round relationship with runners through training, shared experiences and progress.
The launch of ARC Chennai extends the running club’s growing presence across India. The initiative will bring runners together through regular training sessions, group runs and coaching support, providing a dedicated space for participants to develop consistency, train collectively and progress through different stages of their running journey.
The Freshworks Chennai Marathon will take place on January 3, 2027, marking its 15th edition. Powered by Chennai Runners, the event will feature four race categories: the Full Marathon, Twenty Miler, Half Marathon and 10K.
As the Official Sports Goods Partner, ASICS will engage with runners during the marathon build-up and event weekend. Activities will include ARC training sessions, promotional runs, the marathon expo and ASICS House. ASICS athletes and coaches will also participate in the event.
The association reflects ASICS’ founding philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ and its belief in the role of movement in physical and mental well-being. Through the marathon partnership and the launch of its running club, the brand aims to strengthen its presence within India’s growing running culture and establish deeper connections with runners in Chennai.
Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India & South Asia and Executive Officer, ASICS Corporation, said, “The growth of running culture in India reflects a broader shift in how people are approaching fitness and well-being, with the sport becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life. Chennai has a strong foundation in this culture, and the Freshworks Chennai Marathon has played an important role in bringing runners together over the years. For ASICS, our partnership with the marathon and the launch of ARC Chennai are an opportunity to deepen our roots in the city and support runners through regular training, progression and community. It is an extension of our ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ philosophy and our belief in the role that movement plays in helping people lead healthier, more active lives.”
Commenting on the partnership, Chandrasekar M, Race Director, Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2027, said, “Our partnership with ASICS is a natural extension of the Freshworks Chennai Marathon’s commitment to strengthening the culture of running in Chennai. ASICS brings a strong performance heritage and a deep understanding of what drives runners, making it a natural partner for an event that has grown alongside the city’s running culture. As we enter our 15th edition, this association adds further strength to the marathon and reinforces our shared ambition to make running more accessible, engaging and rewarding for participants. We look forward to building on this partnership and contributing to the continued growth of running in Chennai.”
The partnership with the Freshworks Chennai Marathon and the launch of ARC Chennai mark another step in ASICS’ expanding presence in India’s running community. By combining participation in a major city marathon with regular community-based training initiatives, the brand is strengthening its engagement with runners in Chennai.
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’, is the Latin phrase from which ASICS derives its name and the fundamental philosophy on which the brand continues to stand. Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka more than 70 years ago, the company is a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, athletic and Sport Style-inspired footwear, apparel and accessories.
ASICS currently has 150 stores across India. More details about its stores are available at https://www.asics.co.in/store-locator. For further information, visit https://www.asics.co.in/.
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