DM三井製糖 announced its new Zq brand and will begin its launch on 20 October. The first 2 products are designed for pre-race replenishment, and Kengo Suzuki appeared at the launch event to discuss the significance of the brand and the sponsorship agreement.
On 14 October, DM三井製糖 announced “Zq (Jikyu),” a new brand for endurance sports, with the brand concept “a partner for athletes who continue to take on challenges.” It announced that the first 2 products, Zq Carbo-Loading Powder, designed to promote planned energy replenishment beginning 3 days before a race, and Zq Starting Energy, for an energy boost immediately before a race, would go on sale from 20 October.
Kengo Suzuki, the former Japanese record holder in the men’s marathon who had signed a sponsorship agreement, appeared at a media presentation. His past achievements, including setting a Japanese record at the Lake Biwa Marathon and earning a place in the MGC Olympic selection race for Los Angeles, were introduced. Suzuki discussed the new products’ ease of drinking and expressed his intention to test and improve them based on future hydration plans and advice.
In interviews after the event, Suzuki expressed his intention to compete in the New York City Marathon on 1 November. He discussed why he had chosen a race without a pacemaker in preparation for next year’s MGC, as well as his anticipation of taking on an overseas race.