Act Running, a rising star from Paris, makes its first appearance in Japan. What is the founder's new philosophy on running?

Born in Paris, France in 2025, "ACT RUNNING" is an up-and-coming running brand that combines the functionality demanded by athletes with sustainability at a high level. The brand uses original fabrics made from plant-derived materials and clearly states the carbon footprint (CO₂ emissions) of all its products to "visualize" its environmental responsibility.

It has also acquired the B Corporation (B Corp) certification, which is given to companies that fulfill their social responsibilities. The company is attracting attention as a next-generation technical apparel brand that combines functionality, design, and ethics.

Such "Act Running" will hold its first pop-up in Japan from October 31 to November 9 at "Token" in Nihonbashi Hamacho, Tokyo.

A reception event and group run were held the day before, with over 40 runners participating, including members of the ♡Huinamu Running Club♡.

Mr. Thiebaud, the founder of the brand, who came to Japan for the pop-up event, ran along the Sumida River with the participants. It was a time to experience the brand's world view while running.

The founder talks about his brand philosophy and impressions of Japan.

Thibault is a designer and runner. Based in Paris, he says he aims to create "functional, beautiful, and sincere" clothing that can freely move between everyday life and sports.

Thibault, founder of Act Running.

The response to this pop-up was beyond our expectations. It was impressive that many people shared our brand philosophy and design. Japanese runners have a strong attention to detail and a very high level of understanding of our products. I received a lot of inspiration through the dialogue."

According to Thibault, the "ACT" in "ACT Running" means "to act" or "to perform.

I started the brand not just because I wanted to make clothes, but because I wanted to take "action". I wanted to take action, to make responsible choices for the environment and to work for a sustainable society. I want to convey this through running.

They value functionality to support athletes' performance, comfort for daily wear, and affordability while being environmentally friendly.

That is why we display the carbon footprint of all our products and show the environmental impact in numerical form. We believe that by making this "visible," it will encourage people to think about nature and the environment.

Looking ahead, Thibault said he hopes to build a "long-term relationship" with Japan.

I felt that there is a deep culture in Japan and that the brand's worldview is well understood there. We want to be a brand that people want to wear not only for runners, but also in their daily lives.

The future development after the pop-up will be announced in due course. One can't help but wonder what kind of new winds "Act Running's" philosophy of "beautiful clothes for action" will bring to the Japanese running culture.

Photo_Tada
Text_Issey Enomoto