IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ASICS America announced today the fastest American marathon runner Ryan Hall, continues his longstanding relationship with ASICS. One of the premier faces in American distance running, the two-time Olympian and American half marathon record holder became the first American to break the one-hour barrier in the half marathon in 2007.

“I could not be more thrilled to partner with ASICS again this year, a brand that has been faithful to me throughout my athletic pursuits,” commented Ryan Hall on the renewed partnership. “ASICS goes above and beyond to make you feel like you are part of the family, while simultaneously providing me with the world’s leading high performance footwear and apparel that suit my competition needs.”

During the course of his 8 year relationship with the brand, Hall has participated in a number of exciting initiatives, including a trip to the ASICS Research and Development center in Kobe, Japan, to undergo testing and evaluation to provide feedback on footwear development and design. In addition, the brand collaborated with Hall on a video wall during the 2011 New York City Marathon, dubbed “Run with Ryan,” a popular installation that resonated with millions of running enthusiasts and novices alike.

“We’ve done stellar things with Ryan over the last 8 years, and by renewing our relationship with him in 2013 and beyond, we’re excited to continue to break barriers in the sport together,” commented ASICS Vice President of Marketing, Erik Forsell. “We are committed to constantly improving with our athletes, and Ryan is a perfect example of this mission.”

In addition to his accomplishments on the track, Hall and his wife Sara, who is also a recently renewed ASICS sponsored athlete and professional runner, formed the Hall Steps Foundation. The foundation aims to empower the running community to use the energy and resources that fuel runners’ athletic achievements for social justice efforts. ASICS is a proud supporter of the Hall Steps Foundation.