ASICS and specialist retailer DISTANCE unveil their first joint capsule collection, a tribute to the running community and, more specifically, to Iten, the epicenter of Kenyan running culture. At the crossroads of lifestyle and performance, the collaboration combines ASICS' product expertise with the contemporary vision of running championed by DISTANCE.

Comprising 16 pieces for men and women, the collection brings together high-performance running apparel, primarily from the premium ASICS METARUNrange, alongside more lifestyle-oriented tops. Its design draws direct inspiration from the red earth of Iten, local architecture—including the iconic DISTANCE shop—and the culture of daily running. Its vibrant color palette and play on contrasts reflect the expressive style characteristic of this community.

For DISTANCE, this project is rooted in a long-standing personal connection to Kenya. Guillaume Pontier, co-founder of the brand, first discovered Iten alongside his father, Jean-François Pontier, who spent decades coaching some of France's top middle- and long-distance athletes. Opened in 2022, the DISTANCE shop in Iten has since become a hub for the local community, designed to make quality gear more accessible to athletes. "Iten represents much more than just a source of inspiration for us. It is a place built on human relationships and a daily commitment to running," says Guillaume Pontier.

In terms of design, the collection embraces a bold aesthetic, blending technical pieces with casual wear suitable for before, during, or after a run. "We wanted the collection to convey the energy and connection unique to the local community through every color and texture," explains Alistair Keys, Design Manager at ASICS. Completed by the new NOVABLAST 6 to offer a full kit, the ASICS x DISTANCE collection is available from October 10 at select retailers, in DISTANCE stores, and on asics.com.

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