ASICS has long-maintained the idea that the body is only as good as its mental state. (The acronym for ASICS is 'anima sana in corpore sano'—Latin for 'sound mind in a healthy body'.) Given the pandemic, where we hide indoors, away from the company of strangers, trying not to die at the whims of the Coronavirus, some, if not many, of us would see our mental health erode.
As an accessible form of exercise, running is therapy—the writer, Haruki Murakami sees running as a beneficial tool that betters him as a writer; comedian Michelle Wolf, relishes being in a mental headspace where she focused on the run and not have to worry about anything else. Due to the activity's release of endorphins, it can lift you out of depression, it improves your focus, it improves your mood.
Which brings us to ASICS' virtual run.
The running shoe company is organising a virtual run to celebrate World Mental Health Day (10 October) to support mental and physical wellness, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.
With four run categories—3km/ 5km/ 10km/ 20km—to choose from, the virtual run takes place across Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. ASICS invites participants 'to run in solidarity' and raise awareness of mental health issues and how to take care of ourselves with regards to that.
Participation for ASICS World Mental Health Day Virtual Run is free and will happen from 9 to 11 October. Registration is now open on 42Race.
