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3177 Run the Mita Masters Half Marathon

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-japan/osaka/news/20071216-OYT8T00543.htm

translated by Brett Larner

The 19th running of the Mita International Masters Half Marathon took place on Dec. 16 in Mita, Hyogo Prefecture with sponsorship from Yomiuri Newspapers Osaka, Yomiuri Television and Hochi Newspapers. 3177 runners entered the race, up 134 from last year. An estimated 12000 spectators lined the course to cheer in support.

The Rikuren-certified 21.0975 km course commenced at Ari Prefectural High School`s sports grounds. Race director and Mita mayor Hideaki Takeuchi greeted runners with an opening speech before the race began, telling them, "This is the most important event of the year in Mita. Please have a good time in our city while you run."

Weather conditions just before the start were a chilly 5.5 degrees with light rain, but the rain abated in time for the starting gun.

Breaking from the lead pack at the 5 km point, Yasukaza Miyasato from Izumi ran away with the victory, winning in 1:07:47. It was Miyasato`s first win in Mita. Miyasato trains 20-30 km per day while working as a member of Japan`s Ground Self-Defence Forces. He commented after the race, "I didn`t think I would have such a big gap over second place out there today, but the cheers and support I received from the spectators helped me run well."

In the women`s race, the runner who had won for the last 5 years straight was unable to participate due to injury, leaving the field wide open and unpredictable. Junko Suzuki of Kakogawa, Hyogo Prefecture won for the first time. "In the first half my body was very cold, but after 10 km I was able to get going and run the way I wanted."
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