Tokyo Speed Race: Moving forward physically, mentally

TOKYO, Japan -- From personal bests to powerful reflections, the Tokyo Speed Race wasn’t just about crossing the finish line—it was about everything that happened on the way there.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Japan’s Olympic landmarks, runners found focus, resilience, and a deeper reason to keep moving.

The Japan National Stadium is one of the many Olympic landmarks along the route. | Photo: Mario Elfadi

1. Focus Can Take You Further Than You Think

 
For his first international race, Eduard Flores didn’t let distractions get in the way. While others might take the chance to sightsee, Flores stayed focused on his training—fitting in easy runs each day in Tokyo, committed to his goal of running a sub-32 or sub-31 10K.

To his own surprise, he crushed that goal, finishing the elite 10K in 30:41, a massive leap from his previous personal best of 31:50.

“Actually, unexpected ko eh kasi target ko lang talaga sub-32 or sub-31,” he said. “Pero ngayon, nag-sub-31 ako, kaya hindi ko akalain.”

“Overwhelming kasi nakakuha ako ng personal best,” he added.

Sometimes, staying grounded and focused leads to a performance that even surprises you.

Eduardo Flores broke his peronal best for the 10K in his first international race. | Photo: Mario Elfadi

2. Progress Isn’t Linear—But It’s Always Worth It

 
Content creator Ayn Bernos also celebrated a personal victory, finishing the 5K race for media, influencers, and ambassadors in 33:26—a big improvement from her previous best of 36:54.

She shared her honest reflections on Instagram, opening up about how tough her running journey had been recently:

“I’ve been really struggling… feeling burnt out from training, wondering why I do this to myself when I’m not progressing as fast as others.”

But her race in Tokyo was a turning point:

“Tokyo: Speed Race was such a good reminder that I do this for me. For the feeling of accomplishment, for the confidence that comes from showing up, and for the inspiration I get from other people.”

Ayn reminds us: it's not about being the fastest—it’s about showing up for yourself.

Ayn Bernardos improved her personal best in the 5K race. | Photo: Aaron Wong

3. Mental Health Matters Just As Much As Physical Training

 
Life in a fast-paced city can be overwhelming—and few know this better than Samantha Mochizuki, a yoga instructor now based in Tokyo.

She first discovered yoga while living in New York and has practiced for over six years. With experience in two of the busiest cities in the world, she understands the toll of hustle culture.

“There’s a lot of hustle energy… you have to have that to survive, and that can give you a little bit of anxiety,” she said.

For her, yoga is more than exercise—it’s a way to check in mentally:

“Yoga allows you to have the mental space to slow down and really appreciate the moment—even the uncomfortable ones.”

Her message? Don’t overlook your inner well-being. Balance keeps you going.

4. A Sound Mind in a Sound Body™

 
The Tokyo Speed Race wasn’t just about finishing times—it was also about values. Gary Raucher, ASICS Marketing Director, highlighted a powerful philosophy embedded in the brand’s name: Anima Sana In Corpore Sano—a sound mind in a sound body.

He emphasized that while winning is worth celebrating, it should never come at the expense of mental or physical health. 

The race served as a reminder that peak performance isn’t just about how fast you run—but how well you feel while doing it.

Rooted in this belief, ASICS champions the idea that people feel happier when they push themselves—not just physically, but holistically.

The recently concluded Tokyo: Speed: Race was a celebration of that principle in action: striving for more, while honoring balance.

Gun start for athletes in the Tokyo Speed Race. | Photo: Aaron Wong

5. Innovation Keeps the Race Moving Forward

 
The Tokyo Speed Race also served as the launchpad for ASICS’ latest innovations: the METASPEED™ Sky Paris, METASPEED™ Edge Paris, and the all-new METASPEED™ Ray.

Designed to match different running styles, these shoes reflect ASICS’ continued pursuit of performance and personalization—whether you’re a cadence runner, a stride runner, or somewhere in between.

Beyond just style and speed, the new METASPEED™ series is built on the belief that the right gear can unlock a runner’s full potential—helping them chase goals, smash limits, and enjoy every step of the journey.

• Tokyo 1964
• Sapporo 1972 (Winter)
• Nagano 1998 (Winter)
• Tokyo 2020 (Summer & Paralympics)