Leading up to Global Running Day on June 7, Asics America Corp. is challenging nationwide participants to run a total of 60 minutes anytime between May 30 and June 6. By doing so, Asics will donate $1 to PHIT America in their honor.

“Global Running Day has always been a major celebration for the Asics family, and this year we are raising the bar by inviting our fans to give back by getting out and moving,” said Gene McCarthy, president and CEO of Asics America. “We’re calling everyone from elite athletes to casual runners to join us in the celebration and contribute to Asics and PHIT America’s mission to promote participation in physical activity.”

Asics will donate up to $50,000. Running, walking, and wheelchair activities are eligible towards completion.

To participate in the Asics Global Running Week Challenge, those interested as being asked to download the Runkeeper app on their smart phone. Visit the challenges section of the app to join, and log 60 minutes of activity between May 30 and June 6 to trigger a $1 donation to PHIT America, a national organization to promote active and healthy lifestyles for all.

Donations will help fulfill grants in communities as part of the PHIT America GO! Grants program. These GO! Grants provided by Asics will help jump-start active lifestyles to thousands of children across the United States. In addition, the donation brings further support of PHIT America in helping Congress pass the PHIT Act. The PHIT Act will change current federal tax law to allow for the deduction or use of pre-tax dollars to cover expenses related to sports, fitness and other physical activities.

“This challenge is a perfect match for us because it’s our mission to get people to move and increase participation in sports especially amongst the youth,” said Jim Baugh, founder, PHIT America. “This challenge by Asics and Runkeeper is meant to inspire others to share how they move so we can continue growing participation in sports, especially among children.”
On Global Running Day on June 7th, Asics will celebrate the culmination of the Asics Global Running Week Challenge with run events across the country, including New York, California, Miami, Boston, Chicago and many more. Local runs will feature swag giveaways, in-store promotions and opportunities to fit different shoes.

For a list of runs to join in your area and for further details on the Asics Global Running Week Challenge, visit https://www.facebook.com/Asicsamerica.

Photo courtesy Asics