On October 17, theTokyo Legacy Half Marathon, taking place this Sunday, updated its elite list: Suguru Osako's Japan Association of Athletics Federations registration was changed to “Tokyo · Li-Ning”. That means he will represent Li-Ning in this race, officially announcing his partnership with the brand!So how did Suguru Osako and Li-Ning get to this point? Next, let's look back at their journey together to see how they drew closer step by step, and how through repeated training and races they formed this mutually beneficial relationship.In the running scene, every time a top athlete changes gear it's a story of shifting currents.After the 2024 Paris Olympics, Suguru Osako's contract with Nike expired. In early 2025, a social media post in which he tried on Xtep running shoes suddenly captured the attention of runners worldwide, sparking online debate and wild speculation: which brand would this iconic Japanese marathoner choose next?
He then continued to try and evaluate shoes from other brands, including ASICS, adidas, On, New Balance, Brooks, and MIZUNO, among other well-known names.The answer gradually became clearer with time.On February 2, 2025, Suguru Osako raced the Marugame Half Marathon wearing Xtep's 160X6.0 Pro; his apparel and accessories remained Nike, and he finished in 1:01:28. In the weeks and months that followed, he began to experiment with Li-Ning — from everyday training and event appearances to race endorsements, he was often seen wearing Li-Ning products.On February 12, he trained for the first time wearing Li-Ning Feidian 5U and Chitu 8 Pro;On February 17, he completed a 20-mile long run on the treadmill in Feidian 5E;On March 7, Suguru Osako attended the “Hashiru Ale” beer party wearing Feidian 5U;On March 18, he trained outdoors wearing Feidian 5E;By April 29, he appeared in full Li-Ning for the first time;By summer, from July 30 to early September, whether in daily training or public appearances, Suguru Osako was almost always wearing a "full Li-Ning kit";On June 15, at the Portland Track Festival he entered the 5000 m, also wearing a full Li-Ning outfit. Because Li-Ning lacked a spikes product line, he opted for adidas' Avanti 2. Notably, although he could have continued wearing Nike spikes, he did not do so—this detail has undoubtedly fueled more speculation about his relationship with Li-Ning. 6.15 Portland Track FestivalOn September 13, at the World Athletics Championships event in Tokyo, he appeared unabashedly as the face of Li-Ning, and even in the commercial for BODY MATINE beverage he was dressed head-to-toe in Li-Ning. Attended on September 13the World Athletics Championships event in TokyoBODY MATINE beverage commercialOn September 24, Suguru Osako was featured wearing a full Li-Ning kit, and in the caption he directly quoted Li-Ning's classic slogan — “Anything is possible”. Those six words stirred a huge wave, quickly sparking heated discussion on social media: some bluntly said “the official announcement is only a matter of time”, while others joked “this is no longer speculation — it's solid proof.”Unlike his previous training appearances, this time Suguru Osako chose to speak in Chinese, proactively resonating with Li-Ning's brand spirit. For a top Japanese marathoner, this form of expression is highly symbolic and makes people even more convinced that the partnership has entered its final countdown.From shoes and apparel to accessories, Li-Ning elements run throughout. But both sides still haven't officially announced it—perhaps due to contracts, timing, or other commercial reasons, he cannot publicly announce it yet—but the fact is already self-evident.And just as the outside world was at a loss, on October 17, this Sunday,the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon updated its elite list, and Suguru Osako's JAAF registration was changed to “Tokyo·Li-Ning”.With that, all suspense fell, and his partnership with Li-Ning was officially announced!In fact, looking at a longer timeline, the fit between athlete and brand is not just as simple as "changing gear."After the Tokyo Olympics, Daisuke Osako once chose to retire, and then resolutely made a comeback. That sense of strength in starting again from a low point is exactly what moves people most about him. Since his return he has continued to stick to high-intensity training, pushing toward higher goals. For many, Daisuke Osako is not just a marathon runner, but a symbol of the spirit of "never giving up."As for Li-Ning, the company's investment in running shoes over the past few years has been obvious: the evolution of the Feidian series, iterations of racing products, and the establishment of a science-based running shoe system have made more and more runners see Li-Ning on the track. Brands need top athletes for real-world feedback and data support; athletes need excellent gear to support their maximum performances. The combination between the two has followed naturally.Daisuke Osako and Li-Ning's collaborationIs it a strategic move by the brand, or a mutual resonance of spirit?Is their relationship limited to a contract? Or is there a deeper level — for example, Li-Ning using this Asia top athlete to enter the Japanese market or a broader international stage, or the two parties collaborating on professional running shoe R&D in the future?What will the running world look like next?Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: just as Daisuke Osako has proven time and again in training and competition — the story is just beginning, and anything is possible!What do you think of Suguru Osako's collaboration with Li Ning? Share your thoughts in the comments — let's discuss this cross-border "story of speed".
Text:xiaocai / Editor:xiaocai
Image: Internet / Visual: Five-YearTrainee
