
ASICS has launched its annual global search for amateur runners to join its #BeatTheSun community and take part in the ASICS Beat the Sun challenge, which starts and finishes in Chamonix on June 21.
In order to take part, runners have to sign up to the ASICS #BeatTheSun online community, commit to a personal running goal for June 21 and declare whether they want to take part in the event.
The event in Chamonix offers amateur runners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to team up with expert athletes in a unique relay race.
The race sees eight intercontinental teams battle it out around a multi-terrain course to become the first team to beat the sun around Mont Blanc – Europe’s highest peak – in the time between sunrise and sunset.
Competing against each other and nature’s clock, teams have just 15 hours, 41 minutes and 35 seconds to cover the 150km course.
Each runner will complete two relay sections of between 3km-19km across varied altitude and terrain while crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland in the space of one day.
Those who join the #BeatTheSun community will receive access to an exclusive online training programme, developed by ASICS pro athlete coaches and designed to help runners achieve their goals on June 21.
The first module of the #BeatTheSun online training programme begins on March 1 and will include strength, running nutrition and trail specific advice.
On April 25 ASICS will announce 50 finalists, who will then undertake an elite training programme in preparation for the event.
For those who don’t make the final 50, ASICS will continue to provide training tips and advice to help them complete their own personal challenge on June 21.
The final 24 runners will be decided through a combination of online voting and a panel of experts, before being announced on June 1.
Those selected will then be mentored by an expert athlete from their team in the final month before June 21 and will also receive ASICS gear for training and race day.
At the event on June 21, eight teams will be made up of people from five different continents.
The three European teams will be represented by amateurs from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Norway and Poland, while the two American teams will be made up of amateurs from USA, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.
Team Asia-Pacific will also have two teams, containing amateurs from Japan, Singapore, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Australia, with Team Africa featuring amateurs from South Africa, Kenya and Burundi.
Find out more at http://races.asics.com/beatthesun