Elite Athlete and Blue Jean Mile World Record Holder Johnny Gregorek Elevates Importance of Having a Sound Mind
April 22, 2023
Gregorek looks to raise awareness for mental health advocacy as a tribute to his late brother through the Blue Jean Mile!
Johnny Gregorek, an ASICS elite athlete and American middle-distance runner, hails from an elite running family – his parents both accomplished, professional runners in the 1980s. And although he comes from a competitive family, becoming a professional runner wasn’t something he necessarily set out to do. Running came naturally and he instead just enjoyed being a part of the running community he grew up in.
That enjoyment coupled with hard work has led him to his own accomplished running career – competing at the Division I level, finishing 3rd at the US Championships and becoming the second fastest American to run the mile. But one of his more recent accomplishments and a unique record – the fastest to run a mile in blue jeans - holds a special place in his record books.
In May 2020, Johnny set out to break the world record for the Blue Jean Mile in honor of his brother, Patrick, who lost his battle with mental illness at just 21-years-old in 2019.
Paddy, as he was affectionately referred to by his family, enjoyed running for the fun of it, as Johnny had early on. And Johnny felt Paddy would have enjoyed watching him try to run the mile as fast as possible in a pair of blue jeans.
In 2020, Johnny’s initial goal was to raise $2,500 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City, a non-profit organization that became a resource for him after his brother’s passing. But the running community quickly rallied behind Johnny and he blew past his initial goal and ultimately raised over $37,000. He went on to break the record, running the mile in 4:06.25.
In 2021, ASICS Blue Jean Mile was created. It is a free virtual competition encouraging runners everywhere to throw on a pair of blue jeans and head out for a mile run in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month. That year, ASICS donated $40,625 to NAMI-NYC, a nod to Johnny’s record breaking time in 2020.
The following year, 2022, ASICS raised the bar by hosting the first ever in-person Blue Jean Mile event at USC, with additional Blue Jean Mile events across the country hosted by ASICS Athletes and Ambassadors. That year, ASICS donated $15,000 to NAMI-NYC plus an additional $5,000 from registrant donations.
“I want to thank my little brother Paddy for inspiring me every day. And I love him and I miss him and this is for him.” Johnny said after finishing his record-breaking run. “This is for anyone else who is out there struggling with their mind at this time or any time. Know that you’re loved and be kind to yourself.”
ASICS, a brand built on the ethos of SOUND MIND, SOUND BODY™, has been inspired by Johnny’s advocacy work around mental health and his use of his platform to educate people on mental illness.
This year for the month of May, we invite all to participate in the Blue Jean Mile. All you have to do is register on Race Roster, sign up for yourself, with friends or family, put on a pair of blue jeans and start running.
To find out more and register today, click here .
