ASICS Expands Relationship and Becomes the National Footwear Partner of Girls on the Run

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Girls on the Run International is pleased to announce that ASICS America Corporation has expanded its commitment to the organization by becoming the National Footwear Partner.  Together, ASICS and Girls on the Run will support and inspire girls to recognize their limitless potential and boldly pursue their dreams.

"Evolving our partnership with Girls on the Run from a local level to a national level allows us the exciting opportunity to be able to inspire an even larger number of young girls who are embarking on their journey to become runners," said Kim Bhesania, ASICS America Corporation's Business Director of Womens. "ASICS is thrilled for the chance to have an impact on not only the girls here in Orange County, California, but on those participating in Girls on the Run programs all around the country as well".

ASICS supports Girls on the Run by providing access to affordable, high-quality footwear to Girls on the Run councils, as well as through activation at its sponsored and owned events.  To kick off the partnership, ASICS will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their first-annual ASICS Vine Body Sole™ Half-Marathon and Training Weekend to Girls on the Run programs.

Additionally, ASICS will invite members from the local Orange County, California council to the ASICS America headquarters in Irvine to receive a new pair of running shoes and participate in activities promoting health and wellness.

"Girls on the Run is honored to continue our partnership with ASICS and to provide our girls with the highest quality of footwear," said Girls on the Run CEO Elizabeth Kunz. "We are grateful for their support in preparing girls with the skills they need to feel confident and empowered to be their best."

About Girls on the Run:
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for third through eighth grade girls. Participants develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care, create positive connections with peers and adults and make a meaningful contribution to community and society. Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches that guide and mentor the girls. The 10-week program concludes with all participants completing a celebratory 5k event, which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. In 2015, Girls on the Run celebrated serving its one-millionth girl and in 2016 is celebrating its 20^th birthday. For more information about Girls on the Run, please visit www.girlsontherun.org.

About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.  Follow ASICS America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for exclusive content and real-time news around ASICS products, events, and elite athletes.

About ASICS Vine Body Sole™ Half-Marathon and Training Weekend
Taking place on May 12-14, 2016; this inaugural weekend getaway was created to celebrate women, fitness and ASICS' Sound Mind, Sound Body™ mission. Set in beautiful Napa Valley, California; participants will gather for the ultimate wine country experience. The weekend includes: the WANT IT MORE™ Training Challenge, yoga and meditation sessions, a half-marathon or relay option, wine tasting and more. For more information, visit http://www.asicsvinebodysole.com.

SOURCE Girls on the Run International