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Naoko Takahashi Runs First Race As An Amateur

http://dailynews.yahoo.co.jp/fc/sports/takahashi_naoko/?1226216697

translated by Brett Larner

Sydney Olympics women's marathon gold medalist Naoko Takahashi (36, Team Phiten), ran in a half marathon in Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture on Nov. 9, her first race since retiring from professional running last month. Takahashi acted as the guest starter for the event's full marathon and was scheduled to run the first 2 km runners of the half marathon as a ceremonial lead runner, but once at the event she decided to wanted to more than just put in face time and ran the whole distance. Her participation was greeted with joyous cheers at the start and she received shouts of thanks for all of her achievements from supporters along the course. Takahashi ran among the ranks of the other amateur runners and completed the race in a time around 1 and a half hours. After finishing she ran back out on the course to cheer on the other runners, an enjoyable start to her new post-professional career.
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