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Akaba to Run Osaka

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2009110300258

translated by Brett Larner

Following her appearance at the Nov. 3 East Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden, distance runner Yukiko Akaba (Team Hokuren) told reporters, "My first marathon was in Osaka. I think going back to where I started is the best way to get my running back," signalling that she intends to run in the Jan. 31 Osaka International Women's Marathon.

Akaba ran in this past August's World Championships marathon in Berlin, but injured her right foot and finished only 31st. In October she ran the World Half Marathon in Birmingham, England but was 26th after another injury to her left leg. Her injuries have most recovered, and Akaba said, "I'm about 90% OK right now. The World Championships marathon was a terrible experience. I want to have another race that I can look back on as one I enjoyed."
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Kevin said…
I want to see Akaba take the course record. Every year the times are way off 2:21:18. Mizuki Noguchi doesn't deserve the course record. She never show up in osaka.
November 8, 2009 at 7:27 AM
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