BOSTON, May 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As a brand
founded on the principles of Sound Mind, Sound Body™, ASICS is
underscoring the importance of National Mental Health Awareness
Month with a virtual Blue Jean Mile competition, inspired by ASICS
elite athlete Johnny Gregorek's
world record setting race in 2020. Hosted in partnership with Race
Roster, the virtual competition will take place from May 1-31, 2021, and be free to all
participants.
In May 2020, Gregorek attempted to
break the world record for the Blue Jean Mile, a pursuit that began
as a tribute to his late brother, Patrick, who lost his battle with
mental illness in 2019. Wearing a pair of Levi's® 501® jeans,
Gregorek accomplished his goal, becoming the fastest person to run
a mile while wearing blue jeans with a time of 4:06:25.
Last year, Gregorek used his time while training to fundraise
over $32,000 for the National
Alliance on Mental Illness of NYC (NAMI-NYC). This year, ASICS is
proud to partner with NAMI-NYC for the ASICS Blue Jean Mile and has
pledged to donate $40,625 in honor of
Johnny's record-breaking time.
"I am truly humbled by the support from everyone in the running
community who helped raise over $32,000 last year in memory of my brother and for
my sponsor ASICS, who has pledged over $40,000 this year," said Johnny Gregorek, ASICS Elite Athlete. "I hope we
can use this fun event to continue to educate people about mental
health and provide a resource for those struggling with mental
illness."
Registration for the ASICS Blue Jean Mile opened on May 1 via Race Roster. Participants are
encouraged to wear their favorite pair of denim, run a mile in
honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, upload their results to
Race Roster and share on social using the hashtag
#SoundMindSoundBody. While registration is free,
participants will also have the opportunity to fundraise or
directly donate to NAMI-NYC.
"There is no question this last year has created additional
concern and appreciation about people's mental health and for a
brand built on the ethos of a Sound Mind in a Sound Body, we
believe it's more important than ever to highlight the significance
of mental health awareness," said Richard
Sullivan, President and COO of ASICS North America. "We are
happy to support Johnny and elevate his personal platform, while
also getting people around the country to move in blue jeans for a
great cause."
"We are excited to have ASICS' support as we aim to aid those
struggling with mental illness," said Matt
Kudish, NAMI-NYC Executive Director. "Johnny's fundraising
and awareness campaign last year truly amplified the number of
individuals seeking to understand the goals and mission we have at
NAMI-NYC."
While the ASICS Blue Jean Mile will be free to all participants,
those that wish to support NAMI-NYC will have the option to make a
donation during the registration process. To learn more about
Gregorek's story, click here. For official rules and to register,
please visit
https://raceroster.com/events/2021/46978/asics-blue-jean-mile.
About National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York
City (NAMI-NYC)
For nearly 40 years, the National
Alliance on Mental Illness of NYC has offered life-changing
support, education, and advocacy programs to families and
individuals affected by mental illness. NAMI-NYC's services are
free of charge and accessible for anyone who needs them. For more
information about NAMI-NYC and its programs and services, please
visit naminyc.org.
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SOURCE ASICS