Speed, Grit, and Glory: Personal Bests Shattered at ASICS META: Time: Trials Thailand 2025
- John Yeong
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Over 4,000 Participants from Across the Region Chase Limits and Break Barriers at Southeast Asia’s Premier 10KM Time Trial
September 14, 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand - Bangkok’s iconic Rama VIII Bridge roared to life this morning as over 4,000 runners from across Southeast Asia gathered for the fourth edition of the ASICS META: Time: Trials Thailand 2025 — a 10KM racing spectacle designed to push limits, ignite rivalries, and inspire personal breakthroughs.
Under the early morning light, the capital’s streets were transformed into a battleground for speed, heart, and determination, with elite athletes and regional runners alike chasing one common goal: to break their personal bests.
Elite Competition Meets Regional Pride
The Men’s Invitational saw Sonny Wagdos of the Philippines deliver a blazing performance to claim first place with a time of 31:57, outpacing Indonesia’s Daniel Simajuntak (32:05) and local Thai favorite Pongsakorn Suksawat (32:14), who finished second and third respectively.
Wagdos’ victory was a masterclass in controlled aggression, making a bold move at the halfway point that no one could answer. On the women’s side, Indonesia’s Nefri reigned supreme, clocking a fearless run to clinch first place in a deeply competitive field with a time of 36:22.
In so doing she became the first non-Singaporean female to win the Invitational first started in 2022.
Hot on her heels were the Philippines’ Joida Gagnao (37:16) and Leanne Sze To from Hong Kong (37:48), rounding out the podium with grit and grace.
A Stage for Every Stride
More than just a race, the ASICS META: Time: Trials is a time trial experience—a unique event where runners don’t just compete against each other but, more importantly, against themselves.
The 10KM format encourages pacing precision and mental resilience, qualities that today’s runners embodied with every stride across the Rama VIII Bridge.
From club runners and weekend warriors to rising regional stars, the energy was electric. The shared mission was clear: shave seconds, smash limits, and redefine what’s possible.
And for many, that’s exactly what happened. Reports flooded in of personal bests obliterated, finish-line tears of joy, and strangers-turned-pacers pushing each other through the final kilometers. This was racing at its purest—raw, fast, and deeply personal.
Bangkok’s Rama VIII Bridge: A Landmark Reimagined
There are few moments in life when you can run full speed across one of Bangkok’s most stunning landmarks, and the ASICS META: Time: Trials offers exactly that. For one morning only, the Rama VIII Bridge transformed into a runner’s paradise—no traffic, no chaos, just open road and open hearts.
The stunning views and city skyline framed a race defined by passion and precision. And while the elite athletes stole the spotlight, every participant was a champion in their own right—proving that speed isn’t just about winning; it’s about growing.
A Sound Mind in a Sound Body
Backed by ASICS’ global mantra of #SoundMindSoundBody, today’s event celebrated the mental strength and physical power that running uniquely cultivates.
From the first horn to the final finisher, the META: Time: Trials wasn’t just about numbers—it was about connection, courage, and community.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ASICS META: Time: Trials Thailand delivered more than just podium finishes—it delivered moments that runners will carry with them long after the roads reopen.
Whether you’re a national champion or a first-time 10KM finisher, one truth remains: there’s no better feeling than running faster than you ever thought you could.
Until next year, Bangkok.
There is nothing more powerful than the image of thousands of Granny Game runners breaking their limits together on Rama VIII Bridge. This year's META: Time: Trials truly reminds people that running is not just about speed – it's about the courage and determination to overcome yourself.