Why It Matters
Adidas is stepping into the ultra-distance spotlight with Chasing100, a high-stakes world record attempt over 100K (62.1 miles) that doubles as a launchpad for its next-generation long-distance racing shoe.
What’s Happening
Set for midnight Aug. 26 at the Adidas Global HQ in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Chasing100 will feature five elite ultrarunners, including Aleksandr Sorokin, the current 100K world record holder, and Jo Fukuda, a rising Japanese-Thai talent.
The attempt will unfold on a measured loop course designed to meet IAU and World Athletics certification requirements. Sources suggest a closed loop, possibly a race track, is being used to ensure precision, pacing support, and ideal conditions.
The Current Record
- 6:05:35, set by Sorokin at the World’s Fastest Run in Lithuania in 2023
- That pace equals 3:39/km (5:53/mile) — a staggering standard across 100 kilometers
Sorokin, who holds world bests in the 12-hour, 24-hour, and 100-mile events, is widely expected to lead the charge. Fukuda, known for his fast marathons and aggressive racing style, pledged on Instagram to “rise to the challenge as an athlete representing Japan, Thailand and all of Asia.”
A New Adidas Super Shoe?
Chasing100 will also likely unveil an unnamed prototype, rumored to be a next-gen member of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro line.
The shoe is expected to include:
- A new superfoam compound
- An aggressive carbon plate system
- A midsole designed for resilience over six hours of running
Speculation has been circulating across Instagram accounts, fueling anticipation around the launch.
Also in the mix: Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, who is featured in promotional content. Though he won’t compete, his involvement adds a crossover element to the brand campaign.
Between the Lines
This isn’t just about a record, it could be a strategic shot in the ongoing super shoe wars. Nike’s Breaking2 and INEOS 1:59 projects made headlines with marathon distance spectacles; Adidas is betting on ultra-distance drama and innovation.
Chasing100 marks an expansion into ultra-distance commercialization, traditionally a niche market. By building a purpose-driven ultra shoe and backing it with elite performance, adidas is signaling belief in the future of extreme road racing.
The Bigger Picture
The 100K world record has seen just two major updates in recent years:
- Nao Kazami held the record at 6:09:14 (2018, Lake Saroma, Japan)
- Sorokin bettered it by nearly four minutes in 2023
Chasing100 could redefine what’s possible at the far edge of endurance — both for athletes and for gear. If Sorokin lowers his own mark and the shoe lives up to the hype, it might reshape how brands approach the ultramarathon space.
What to Watch
- Conditions: Midnight in Bavaria offers cool 55°F (13°C) temps — ideal for long-distance running
- Certification: World record legitimacy depends on accurate measurement, elevation, and course layout
- Brand Impact: Success here could cement adidas’ position in the ultra-tech footwear arena, a category still up for grabs
