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Home Running Shoes

Jeff Benjamin visits the land of the Rising Shoes (ASICS America)

Jeff Benjaminby Jeff Benjamin
September 3, 2018
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IMG_7416.jpgThe Sports Training Center that includes a basketball and volleyball court, fitness center, batting cage, showers and locker rooms, photo by Jeff Benjamin

IMG_7417.jpgRyan Hall photo, photo by Jeff Benjamin

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ASICS is one of the oldest and finest companies in the performance running business. It is also the birthplace of Nike as Onitsuka (now ASICS) distributor in Western US was Blue Ribbon Sports, which became Nike. Jeff Benjamin visited their former US HQ, now a marketing center. Here’s his story:

The Visit To “The Land Of The Rising Shoes”!

IMG_7429.jpgJeff Benjamin at ASICS Distibution Center, photo by Jeff Benjamin

The name ASICS is an acronym for the Latin phrase “anima sana in corpore sano”, which translates as “Healthy soul in a healthy body”.

Founded in 1949 in Japan, the company known today as ASICS has been a consistent force in the Athletics scene, particularly for Runners and Track & Field Athletes, and not just for the Japanese either.

IMG_7419.jpgThe 10K Cafe, photo by Jeff Benjamin

American Running/Track Legends Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter, Jim Spivey, Steve Scott, Deena Kastor, Joe Falcon, John & Johnny Gregorek and Ryan & Sara Hall have all competed at the highest levels in the product. Marty Liquori was the first Sub-4 Miler who wore the ASICS brand. Lolo Jones, still chasing her Olympic dreams, competes in ASICS as well. ASICS also shook up the track world a few years ago as they signed youth Star Candice Hill at the age of 16 to a ten-year contract!

IMG_7420.jpgThe 10k Cafe, photo by Jeff Benjamin

In recent years the American Branch of the company has been run (pardon the pun!) by Former New York City Prep Star and Fordham Collegiate Mile standout out Gene McCarthy who, as a young runner pursuing the dream of a sub-4 Mile back in the late 70’s, was mentored by Liquori and rewarded with a 3:42.06 1500 performance, finishing behind Steve Ovett and Filbert Bayi in Jamaica in 1980. “The disciplined, goal-oriented mind frame I learned as a runner made me the first person in my family to go to college and got me to where I am today,” said the Bronx native and Van Cortland Park competitor, who also serves on the Van Cortland Park Conservancy Board.

IMG_7421.jpgRyan Hall statue, photo by Jeff Benjamin

It’s that sort of discipline and goal-setting that ASICS America seems to be growing upon as it looks towards the 2020 Olympics, which will be held in the backyard of the parent company.

IMG_7423.jpgJeff Benjamin with long time ASICS Marketing Manager, Jan Lester, photo by Jeff Benjamin

This writer was given the opportunity to check out the Irvine, California headquarters, which is now one of 2 in the United States, as ASICS has recently planted their foothold in Boston as well with a new corporate building and has offices in New York City.

As one can see from the pictures, “Sound Mind in A Sound Body” is not just a concept but a reality.

Author

  • Jeff Benjamin

    Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.

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Jeff Benjamin

Jeff Benjamin

Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.

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