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Fukushi and Nakamura to Battle at Awajishima Women's Ekiden

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2008/10/16/07.html
http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/081013/spg0810131848008-n1.htm

translated and edited by Brett Larner

The entry lists for the Nov. 3rd Awajishima Women's Ekiden were released at an Osaka press conference on Oct. 15. Heading the list are Beijing Olympians Kayoko Fukushi (26, Team Wacoal), who finished 11th in the 10000 m, and Yurika Nakamura (22, Team Tenmaya), who was 13th in the marathon. The two are expected to run against each other on the ekiden's longest stage, the 11.78 km 3rd leg.

The dangerous road racer Nakamura is considering another shot at the marathon. There is a possibility that Fukushi, who debuted at the marathon in January's Osaka International Women's Marathon, may also give the distance another try later in the season, but at last weekend's Niigata Big Festa track and field meet Fukushi herself said only, "I'm getting ready for ekiden season."

Team Wacoal head coach Tadayuki Nagayama downplayed speculation about Fukushi's 2nd marathon, saying, "Nothing after ekiden season is fixed yet. Right now we're only thinking as far as Awajishima," and stressing that Fukushi is focused on the ekiden. The dangerous road racer Nakamura is also considering another attempt at the marathon.
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