The Tokyo Marathon may be over, with winner Masakazu Fujiwara crossing the finish line in just over 2 hours 12 minutes, but running enthusiasts are not standing still. The sport has seen a huge boost in popularity over the past year. Sportswear giant Adidas is meeting the demand for high-technology running equipment and consumer interaction by opening a completely new concept store.
The new Adidas Runbase effectively turns the whole city into a gym. Runners can drop into the ‘base’ before work, rent one of the 248 lockers provided, borrow cutting edge Adidas equipment shoes and clothing, and then hit the streets. Adidas Runbase also features 16 shower cubicles, so Tokyoites can freshen up after their run before heading to work or wherever their day may take them.
Inside the new Runbase
Adidas has provided 248 lockers in men’s and women’s locker rooms
The Runbase features 16 shower cubicles
‘Run yourself better’ is the new slogan from Adidas
Popular Japanese celebrities welcome the new Runbase to Tokyo
The Runbase is more than a branded locker room; expert staff are at hand to provide guidance on which equipment is best for you, and its location near the Imperial Palace means you will be in good company, as the area is the most popular place to jog in the city. Office workers are clearly targeted, as the store opens at 7am and closes at 10pm, meaning you can workout before or after work.
Tokyo is often a test ground for many branding concepts that never leave Japan, but the Runbase is such a good idea, it is easy to imagine the store being replicated in other marathon hosting cities like New York and London.
As spring finally comes to Tokyo, now is a perfect time to ditch the gym and hit the streets!
Address
Hirakawacho Mori Tower 1F, 2-16-1 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Nearest Station
Nagatacho
Telephone
(03) 3261 9980
Opening Times
7am–10pm, 7 days a week
More Information
Photography by Adidas and K. Wetherille
