ASICS and ©DISTANCE Explore Iten’s Running Culture Through a New Collection Inspired by Kenya’s landscapes and running community

There is a place in Kenya where running is not just a sport, but an integral part of everyday life. It is called Iten, a town known for producing generations of runners and the starting point for the first capsule collection from ASICS and ©DISTANCE. The Japanese brand and the independent retailer founded in Lyon in 2018 have created a collection that brings performance and lifestyle together, translating the colours and identity of the Kenyan community into an aesthetic language that runs throughout the running wardrobe.

The ASICS x ©DISTANCE collection comprises 16 pieces for men and women, built around an approach that blurs the line between technical running gear and everyday wear. At the heart of the project are styles from ASICS' premium METARUN™ line, reimagined through a vibrant colour palette and unexpected combinations. Technical running kits sit alongside lifestyle-inspired tops and sweatshirts, designed to accompany runners not only during training but also before and after their sessions. Completing the offering is the new NOVABLAST™ 6, which extends the collaboration to footwear and carries the collection's colour palette onto the shoe. The sneaker rounds off a head-to-toe project in which every element contributes to a cohesive visual identity, from the choice of materials to the colour combinations.

The defining feature of the capsule is its visual identity, shaped by the landscapes of Iten. The colours of the red earth and the sky combine with graphic details and contrasting surfaces inspired by the textures and colourful finishes of local homes. The result is a wardrobe built around bold colour combinations and the freedom to wear pieces as coordinated sets or mix and match them, leaving room for individual expression. This reflects the style seen in Iten's running community, where running apparel also becomes a way to express personal identity. This connection to the local environment is what sets the collaboration apart: Iten serves not merely as an aesthetic reference, but as the foundation for a project that translates a real-life setting into a contemporary collection.