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ASICS Target 26.2: Apply now!

Read on for your chance to run the marathon of your life - as part of the ASICS Target 26.2 team.

ASICS TARGET 26.2 - the Runner's World Marathon Challenge

Runner's World and ASICS challenge you to run your best ever marathon, with our VIP training and racing package for the 2012 Paris Marathon.

ASICS Target 26.2 is an unmissable opportunity to discover your running potential at one of Europe's most memorable races the Paris Marathon.

With just five spots in the team, it's a truly elite marathon training and racing experience. You'll have one-to-one advice from top coaches Steve Smythe and Sam Murphy, the combined expertise of the ASICS PRO Team and the support of Runner's World, ASICS and the runnersworld.co.uk forumites. You'll also be kitted out with ASICS gear, race entry, travel and post-race hospitality for one of Europe's finest races – the Paris Marathon. What's not to like?

Check out the ASICS/Runner's World team at the 2011 Paris Marathon:

WHAT'S ON OFFER

Entry to the Paris Marathon on April 15, 2012
One-to-one coaching and support throughout your training from one of the ASICS Target 26.2 coaches - Steve Smythe or Sam Murphy
Personalised dietary, physio and sports psychology support from the ASICS PRO Team
Admission to two training days with Steve Smythe, Sam Murphy and the PRO Team in Birmingham
Entry to one of a selection of ASICS UK half-marathons in the build up to your marathon
Travel to Paris and accommodation in an exclusive central Paris hotel the night before the race
VIP post-race hospitality to help you recover in style
Three sets of ASICS Target 26.2 kit, comprising head-to-toe ASICS running kit, trainers and a Garmin Forerunner 610 GPS watch
Pre-training trip to London (complete with accommodation the night before) for Bupa Fitness Assessment and to visit to the ASICS London store for gait analysis and kit
A year's subscription to Runner's World magazine

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Five keen runners (of all abilities) prepared to give 100%. In selecting the ASICS Target 26.2 team, we'll be paying as much attention to your motivation as your PBs: we want to know your marathon dream, whether that's nailing a new PB, achieving a Good for Age qualifying time or just completing your first ever marathon.

You'll either already be a registered member of runnersworld.co.uk or happy to get stuck in on our forums, which will be a second home for the Target 26.2 team.

You should be available Friday December 2 to attend a Boot Camp selection day in Birmingham with the Target 26.2 coaches, PRO Team experts, ASICS and Runner's World staff, as well as a day in London on Saturday December 17 - and then ready to start training the following week. You'll also have to keep January 28 and March 3 free for training days in Birmingham and choose one of a selection of ASICS half-marathons.

TESTIMONIALS

Here's what some of the 2011 ASICS Super Six had to say about their 2011 Paris Marathon experience:

"A truly life-changing experience. Steve's coaching has been invaluable and he has gone the extra mile, responding to queries straight away and making the forums what they were. I think the time I achieved shows that the schedules and coaching really do work. Without Steve's guidance and the structure and support of the whole experience I may well be sat here having missed out at 3 hours in London, so thank you! It really has been an amazing experience and I would do it all again in a shot."
peter_thompson_14

"The weekend was the most amazing time. The team from RW and ASICS looked after us really well and managed to provide just the right level of moral support. I think the fact that we went to Paris made it much more special as an experience."
Ultra Sparkly Bridget

"What made the process enjoyable wasn't just achieving an unprecedented level of fitness, or new shoes, or a trip to Paris, but the people. I found firm friends in the Super Six, Steve has been absolutely dedicated and essential to helping me achieve an enjoyable Paris (and first) marathon, Ruth taught me moderation in nutrition, Sarah fixed my ITB with a single exercise, the Runner's World and ASICS team provided laughs and encouragement, and the forum members were (and continue to be) supportive, interested and content to indulge my waxing lyrical about running and baking."
Alexandra_S

THE EXPERTS

STEVE SMYTHE

SAM MURPHY

Former RW staffer Steve writes the runnersworld.co.uk marathon schedules.

He has run more than 60 marathons with a PB of 2:29. Steve has also won a British age group marathon title and has run a sub-3 marathon in five different decades.

As a coach, he's helped marathon runners to British senior international level, British age group records and London Marathon age group wins.

Sam is a keen runner and one of the UK's leading fitness experts. She has completed 15 marathons (with a PB of 3:22) and the Himalayan 100 Mile Race among numerous other races.

In addition to her first class degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Sam is a level 2 UKA running coach and a tutor for England Athletics.

Sam has written seven books including Run for Life: The Real Woman's Guide to Running, and Marathon and Half Marathon: From Start to Finish.

THE ASICS PRO TEAM

Along with top coaching from Sam and Steve, the ASICS Target 26.2 team have a secret weapon on their journey to Paris Marathon success. Providing our Target 26.2 runners with the kind of all-round support usually only enjoyed by elite athletes, the ASICS PRO Team are a group of running specialists. Each member of the team has their own area of expertise, and between them the PRO Team has decades of experience at the highest level in endurance sport.

Whether you're having your nutrition strategy reviewed by dietician Ruth McKean, your cross-training cross-examined by Nicki Waterman, receiving hands-on physio support from Sarah Connors or learning mind-over-matter techniques from new PRO Team member, sports psychologist Dr Victor Thompson, the ASICS PRO Team will be there with expert advice every step of the way.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for ASICS Target 26.2 are NOW OPEN. To apply, simply complete the online application form (NB: to avoid losing your work you may find it helpful to write the longer answers offline and paste them in to the form).

As well as some basic personal details, we'll be looking for a brief synopsis of your running background, your target marathon time and your reasons for wanting to join our team. Please submit your application before midday on Friday, November 11 2011. You will only be able to make one submission of the form, so make sure you've got it right before you press submit!

L'Arc de Triumphe

We'll whittle down the entries to a longlist of 30-50 runners with a variety of marathon targets (whether that's a qualifying time, a PB or another goal). If you are selected, we'll contact you by telephone or email after the entry closing date.

There will then be two further stages of selection. The first is the Boot Camp selection day in Birmingham on December 2 2011, where you will meet the ASICS Target 26.2 coaches, PRO Team experts and Runner's World and ASICS staff to assess your health, fitness and injury history.

Shortly after the selection day, we will choose a final shortlist of 18-24 runners. Information about the shortlisted runners will be published on runnersworld.co.uk and the RW community invited to vote for the final line-up. The votes will be taken into consideration along with the views of the ASICS and Runner's World team, the PRO Team and coaches. The final result will be announced in mid-December before the training schedules start on December 26.

All shortlisted candidates will receive an ASICS goody bag (packed with kit perfect for your marathon training) and a copy of the Runner's World Complete Guide to Running (RRP £9.99). The 18-24 shortlisted candidates will also receive a place in an ASICS UK spring half-marathon.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Entries close midday, Friday November 11. Longlisted candidates will be notified no later than Wednesday November 30.

For further information on the competition terms and conditions (including the dates you will need to be available), please visit www.runnersworld.co.uk/asicstarget262termsandconditions. Only entries from persons aged 18 and over will be accepted.

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marathon, ASICS, Paris Marathon, ASICS Target 26.2

Discuss this article

Sammy Palfrey

I love this competition. Count me in!!
Posted: 19/10/2011 at 17:45

mattoo

I'm right up for entering this, applications are out this week right?
Posted: 24/10/2011 at 15:55

Funny Hat

Tried last 3 years so I guess it must be my time in 2012 !! Well got a chance I guess ! Good luck all..

Posted: 24/10/2011 at 18:44

Philip_M_Jones

Website says it is closed now, does anyone have the rioght URL?

ASICS Target 26.2: Pre-register now!

Submit your details and we'll let you know when applications open for the 2012 ASICS Target 26.2 - ahead of the crowds!

This competition has now closed - sorry!

Posted: 26/10/2011 at 07:58

FerrousFerret

I haven't been able to find any sort of link to an entry page. Even Google can't find one.

Posted: 26/10/2011 at 09:00

FerrousFerret

Aha, found this on another thread...

Alice RW wrote (see)

Hi chaps/BDB,
Yes it is this week rather than Monday that applications are due to open. It relates to when the December issue of the mag goes out to subscribers which is why it was a bit vague.
Rest assured we will update the launch page and plaster it merrily all over the homepage when we do open the applications!
I will also take this opportunity to say: you can only submit the online application form ONCE. So get it right!
Alice
ps - Hash, touche re the t-shirts. Please believe me when I say that we're (still) chasing our partner on this one.

Posted: 26/10/2011 at 09:13

Alice RW

I've also just re-opened the pre-registration form. If you submit your email here, we'll drop you a line as soon as applications open this week.

Thanks!

Posted: 26/10/2011 at 10:49

grant.smith

The link does not work...
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 11:50

mattoo

Nor for me

Posted: 27/10/2011 at 12:24

Alice RW

Sorry folks - should work now!
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 12:32

jason.roberts

Link is not not for me still
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 12:54

Ann-Marie Trotman

Still doesn't work for me ..

Posted: 27/10/2011 at 12:56

_ciaran

Looks like the page is still broken
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 13:59

Alice RW

Sorry folks we're looking into it now
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 15:13

Alice RW

It should now work. Really. Honest.

Please let me know if it still doesn't click through...

Posted: 27/10/2011 at 16:11

mattoo

Worked and entered, thanks Alice (creep creep

)
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 20:12

Jimmbo

I couldn't resist. This sounds awesome!
Posted: 27/10/2011 at 21:26

karl williams 4

Hi,

My name is karl williams i am 42 years old and have been running on,and off for 20 years.I am 5-11 tall and weigh 15st 7,which i know is over weight.

Last year i ran the brighton marathon in 4hrs-6mins,but i was with the 3hr-40min lolly-pop man for the first half,up until 16 miles.i know i have a runner in me somewhere.

After the brighton i did not run for about 12 weeks,as i lost all intrest in running,i have now started again,and i am starting to enjoy my time out on the roads again,but i need help this time,with what goes into my body,and my training i know i can be a better runner.

I have taken part in many halfs,with a best time of 1hr 40min,i also run off road,and would love to be helped with my running for the 1st time in my life.

I know its not much to ask but i would love to run 3hrs 45min for a marathon,and with your help im sure this is poss.

I will give 110% in anything you tell,give me to do.

I am married to corinne,and have a 3 year old son who loves anything to do with running,and might take part in the human race scootathon in march,at dorney lake.

As for work i refit office interiors around london,and the thames valley,and love my job.

Kindest Regards,

Karl Williams

Posted: 28/10/2011 at 19:31

M...eldy

Karl, I think you need to complete a form

Posted: 28/10/2011 at 19:35

mrs. hog - mousey

and you need to edit that down to 150 words.
Posted: 28/10/2011 at 23:20

MajorRunning

Do you have to run Paris? I'm running Boston that weekend but would still love the mentoring and support.
Posted: 31/10/2011 at 15:27

Alice RW

Hi Corndoll, the prize is specifically the Paris Marathon. All the winners went with the coaches and RW/ASICS team for the race weekend last year (you can see a video from the race at the top of the article) and all seemed to have a great time with the coaching and support 'on tap' all weekend.

Any more queries let me know - and I hope you do apply!

Alice

Posted: 31/10/2011 at 16:01

Phillg2run

I have entered and am feeling hugely excited!! Just keeping everything crossed!! Good luck to all who enter!!

Posted: 31/10/2011 at 22:26

MajorRunning

Thanks Alice but I have already got my place confirmed for the Boston Marathon in 2012. As 2013 is even harder to qualify for and have already paid $200 for the entry I don't really want to pull out even if I got selected by you.

I just wondered if the team would support your training towards any spring marathon with the understanding you paid the associated costs of a different race yourself. But if it has to be Paris you run then I'll have to apply next year instead.

Good Luck to everyone else though.

Posted: 01/11/2011 at 00:04

The Grayshott Giggler

I have just filled in the form for this competition, but got to the end of the form and there was no 'send' button??? Am I being completely thick? Can you let me know what is going on? Thanks.

Posted: 01/11/2011 at 20:16

RunnyRunRun

Ooh count me in - this sounds like such an amazing opportunity! Started running a year ago and have won first race but would love to see what I could achieve with some professional coaching! Also could definitely do with some new Asics!
Posted: 01/11/2011 at 21:01

stephen meigh

Sounds quality, entered this last year so definitely going to have another crack.
Posted: 02/11/2011 at 08:57

JennaDP

I have the same problem! Any suggestions please or once we upload our image are we automatically entered into the competition?

This is such an amazing opportinity, I really don't want to miss out!

Posted: 02/11/2011 at 13:11

seren nos

you should get the message about you are entered and that they will phone you by 30th nov if you are successful......

Corndoll.........although you won't be able to enter the competition.....Steve last year was great at giving advice to everyone on the official thread.even if you were doing another spring marathon...
just wait until the winners are selected and join in the thread that is closest to your aims........

stephen.I would recommend the same to you......if you don't win join in one of the winners threads and you will gain a lot of advice even if you don't win the kit etc......
Posted: 02/11/2011 at 13:18

mrs. hog - mousey

There should be a 'submit' button at the bottom of the page, underneath all the check boxes of how much spam you want to receive.

Posted: 02/11/2011 at 13:21

seren nos

I am surprised that they ask for your shoes size on application......will they chuck you out if your feet are too big or too small.......I would hope that if you win then the asics people would do a gait and a sizing analysis on you as there shoes measure different to others.......
by asking the size before hand makes it sound that they just post you any old spare shoe
Posted: 02/11/2011 at 16:17

mrs. hog - mousey

Flog them on ebay and wear your prefered shoe.

Did I say that? I meant to say Asics shoes fit my feet perfectly and I love every pair. The colours are just amazing and really suit my eyes. or someting like that anyway.

Their clothes don't fit me either.

Posted: 03/11/2011 at 14:13

seren nos

I Mouse.........my problem is not with asics,,,,,,,,,,,,,in fact my running and trail shoes are asics.........but why do they need to know your shoe size to enter the competition........I would hope that to ensure that the runners do not suffer from problems they should analyse and fit the winners properly.........
Posted: 03/11/2011 at 14:29

mrs. hog - mousey

Part of the prize involves a trip to the London Asics store for gait analysis and kit. I was fairly sure that was the case but just went back to check up on it. Maybe they don't want anyone who they can't kit out to win.
Posted: 03/11/2011 at 16:46

seren nos

thanks I Mouse..I missed that........so asking the size of feet and clothing must just be to get rid of any super petite people and any overly large people..............for my size i did state medium man as women's kit is never big enough for me.............i wonder if that will stop me from being shortlisted............

Posted: 03/11/2011 at 17:12

Little Ninja

The Grayshott Giggler wrote (see)

I have just filled in the form for this competition, but got to the end of the form and there was no 'send' button??? Am I being completely thick? Can you let me know what is going on? Thanks.

JennaDP wrote (see)

I have the same problem! Any suggestions please or once we upload our image are we automatically entered into the competition?
This is such an amazing opportinity, I really don't want to miss out!

Were both of you logged in when you tried to submit your entry? If you weren't, there won't be a submit button.
Posted: 03/11/2011 at 17:14

mrs. hog - mousey

You mean you can log out. I thought once you'd logged in you were in for life.

Posted: 03/11/2011 at 18:36

seren nos

I suppose being logged in first is vital..otherwise we could just enter on behalf of other people.................now that would be interesting

Posted: 03/11/2011 at 18:38

Little Ninja

I've just had a look at the entry form and you can delete all the details including user ID so providing you know your intended's email address, you're in, or should I say they are

Posted: 03/11/2011 at 18:52

Gastank

I applied today as well, quite excited but I can't recall ever having won anything, ever , but if you don't buy a ticket you'll never win the lottery (probably why lottery is a seperate expense line on my monthly expenditure statement" - bit like that Lloyds advert o TV with advertising the "money manager", where it flags pet expenses, and then cuts to the hamster with a gold cage and a swimming pool, well I bank with lloyds and the national lottery is my hamster! anyway, i digress terribly....

The prize sounds fantastic and as a first timer, what an way to complete your first marathon, i'm crossing everything i've got, just hope my application is enough to get longlisted - when you consider how many people will be applying, that in itself would be an achievement!

Did anyone here go through the "selection" rounds last year?

Posted: 03/11/2011 at 21:13

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