In July 2014, Asia Outdoor and Beijing Runner Sports Goods Co., Ltd. (Runner Equipment) will collaborate to launch the “Running Zone (Running Village),” aiming to showcase professional running gear more intensively through the Asia Outdoor platform. It will also serve as an efficient communication bridge between professional running gear brands and retailers looking to sell such products. Additionally, it will integrate various running-related resources to jointly promote the development of China’s running market.
In developed countries such as Europe and the United States, the running market—whether in terms of running gear brands, retail channels, event organization, or related media and evaluation institutions—is already highly mature. China’s running market is currently still in its infancy, with many international professional running brands yet to enter, domestic running gear brands having limited professionalism, few events held, and a significant gap in organizational standards compared to developed countries. However, over the past two years, the domestic running market has begun to show explosive growth. The running population is rapidly expanding, events such as marathons and trail runs are increasing, internationally renowned professional running gear brands are starting to take notice and attempting to enter the Chinese market, traditional domestic outdoor retailers are experimenting with selling professional running gear, and strong outdoor brands are beginning to expand their running product lines.
“At the 2014 (9th) Asia Outdoor, we will provide a professional platform for professional running brands to showcase their latest running products, and take this opportunity to guide outdoor goods dealers on how to enter this young but promising industry,” said Mr. Jaeger, advisor to Asia Outdoor.
The Running Zone project is mainly divided into four sections: running gear exhibition, running gear awards, China Running Industry Forum, and trail running race.
Running Gear Exhibition
Brands such as Asics, Columbia, Tecnica, The North Face, Salomon, Suunto, Northland, Odlo, Smartwool, Skins, and Camelbak will display their latest running series at the Running Zone booths. Brands like Adidas, X-Bionic, Osprey, Garmin, and Mio will showcase standout individual running products. Spanish brand BH will also provide treadmills for visitors to test.
Running Gear Awards
The 2014 Asia Outdoor Industry Awards will include a special category for running gear, with professional judging panels awarding specific prizes for running shoes, running apparel, and running accessories.
China Running Industry Forum
On July 24 (the second day of the exhibition), Asia Outdoor will also invite the most influential professional running brands, running product dealers, and professional media as guests to discuss issues of greatest concern to industry professionals, such as the current state and future development of China’s running market.
Trail Running Race
On July 25 (the third day of the exhibition), Asia Outdoor will continue to collaborate with Sanfo Outdoor to host the “2nd ‘NORTHLAND Cup’ Nanjing Purple Mountain Hill Challenge,” featuring both professional and amateur categories.
For more detailed information, please visit the official website of Asia Outdoor at www.asian-outdoor.com or follow Sina Weibo @AsiaOutdoor and the WeChat public account “Asia Outdoor.”
[Partner Introduction]
Beijing Runner Sports Goods Co., Ltd. (Runner Equipment) is a professional retailer of running gear and an authorized partner of over 30 international professional running brands, including ASICS, SKINS, X-BIONIC, X-SOCKS, Technica, COMPRESSPORT, ULTRASPIRE, CAMELBAK, and OAKLEY. It is committed to providing runners with the most professional gear and services.
From left to right in the photo:Mr. Li Hao, General Manager of Ningfei Company,Mr. Jaeger, Chairman of Demans, and Mr. Yan Wei, General Manager of Runner Equipment