The fourth edition of the ASICS META : Time : Trials wrapped up in Bangkok with momentum, milestones, and runners pushing past their limits. Held at the iconic Rama 8 Bridge & Park, the regional 10KM road race brought together 45 elite ASICS athletes and over 4,000 general participants, all chasing a new personal best.
Certified by both the Athletics Association of Thailand and the Asian Athletics Association, the event lived up to its growing reputation as a proving ground for Asia’s top running talent, as well as the perfect stage for breakthrough performances.
Rising to the Occasion
In the Men’s Invitational, defending champion Sonny Wagdos of the Philippines proved unstoppable once again, clocking in at 00:31:54 to retain his crown. Indonesia’s Daniel Simanjuntak and Thailand’s Pongsakorn Suksawat trailed close behind in a tight race for silver and bronze.
On the women’s side, Indonesia’s Nefriana Ariance Daik delivered a standout run, smashing her personal best with a 00:36:18 finish. She was followed by Joida Gagnao of the Philippines and Leanne Szeto of Hong Kong, completing a podium that showcased the region’s strength of talent.
Personal Bests and Promising Futures
Twelve personal bests were broken in the invitational race alone, including one by Singapore’s Arif Ibrahim, who clocked 00:34:00 – a fitting follow-up to his May performance at the ASICS Tokyo Speed Race 5K. With the 2025 SEA Games on the horizon, Arif is looking sharper than ever.
“It’s been an incredible journey pushing beyond my limits, achieving consecutive PBs at both the Tokyo Speed Race and the META : Time : Trials Thailand. Now I’m focused on giving my best at the SEA Games and making Singapore proud,” said Arif.
The event also spotlighted Thailand’s next-gen runners, with 16-year-old Archawin Dokdoung and 14-year-old Thanakrit Raksaphon posting impressive PBs of 00:35:30 and 00:39:14, respectively. Their inclusion in the invitational field highlights ASICS’ commitment to youth development in the region.
While the invitational drew the spotlight, the Open Category brought plenty of action. Thailand’s Somchot Kongdee led the men’s race with 00:33:53, and Kawinthida Thadased topped the women’s field at 00:40:09. These local champions stood tall among a diverse field of competitive amateurs and emerging talents.
More Than a Race
From elite competition to community connection, the ASICS META : Time : Trials continues to push beyond the conventional race format. With a buzzing race village, curated experiences, and tech-backed METASPEED™ shoes on nearly every foot, the event was a celebration of speed and spirit.
Yogesh Ghandi, Managing Director of ASICS Asia, summed it up: “As we conclude another incredible edition of the ASICS META : Time : Trials, it’s clear that the spirit of running has brought us all together. Today, we have seen the high energy and dedication of all runners from across the region, expressing their determination to challenge themselves while having a great time in this joyful atmosphere.”
